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CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL SERIES. 



OUTLINES OF HISTORY, 



COMPILED FOE THE USE OF 



SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES. 



BY PIERCE C. GRACE. 



y\t^, " SECOND EDITION". 




1851. 






r.^^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by 

Edward Dunigan & Brother, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of 
New York. 



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PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



In preparing this little volume for the press, the 
Compiler was influenced by three motives : recrea- 
tion, friendship, and a sincere desire to supply a want 
much felt in our schools and academies. Devoting 
to the undertaking only his evening hours of leisure, 
he felt himself rewarded by the reflection that, in 
addition to the relaxations of mind it .aftbrded, he 
was oblio^inor a friend, and at the same time confer- 
ring a substantial benefit upon others. 

In the progress of the work, the Compiler has 
been aided, in some degree, by the labours of those 
who have supplied the schools with larger and more 
detailed class-books of history ; but, as a general 
rule, he has consulted, with much care, the standard 
authorities, and spared no pains to invest the " Out- 
hnes" with the character of unquestionable authen- 
ticity. 

The work is intended only as a first class-book of 
history. It embodies a complete and correct sys- 
tem of chronology (a feature very much neglected 



IV PEEFAOE. 

in the generality of our school histories,) and is so 
arranged as to be easily comprehended by the young. 

The Compiler confidently commits his httle vol- 
ume to the pubhc, and particularly to the favourable 
consideration of the teachers of schools and the 
heads of academies ; and trusts to find in their ap- 
probation that his labours may not prove altogether 
useless. He has no interest in the pubUcation fur- 
ther than this. 

If the work, by its success, shall benefit his friend, 
and prove useful as a medium of instruction to the 
young, the Compiler asks no other reward, and will 
rest satisfied with reflecting that he has been ena- 
bled to devote hours, which he might have uselessly 
employed, to so good and substantial a purpose. 

St. Louis, July, 1848. 



PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. 



The difficulty of communicating with the Com- 
piler of these " Outlines," placed the Publishers 
under the necessity of committing the supervision 
of the present edition to another ; who, besides 
adding to the original text what was necessary to 
continue the chain of history from 1848 down to 
the present time (1851), has, for the sake of uni- 
formity with the first books of this series, thought 
proper to substitute the orthography of Johnson for 
that of Webster, and the Catholic rendering of 
Scripture names for that of the Protestant, or com- 
mon version of the Old Testament ; with which 
alterations we hope, not only the public but, Mr. 
Grace will be satisfied. 

For the benefit of those to whom the common trans- 
lation of the sacred Scriptures is more familiar than 
that which has received the sanction of the Catholic 



PUBLISHEES' PREFACE. 



Church, the names taten from the Bible, to be found 
m this compendium, are hereto added according to 
the different versions. 



Catholic. 


Protestant. 


Asarbaddon, 


Esarhaddon. 


Assur, 


Ashur. 


Baltassar, 


Belsha/.zar. 


Cham, 


Ham. 


Chanaan, 


Canaan. 


Chanaanites, 


Canaanites. 


Ezechias, 


Hezekiah. 


Isaias, 


Isaiah. 


Josue, 


Joshua. 


Juda, 


Judah. 


Machabees, 


Maccabees. 


Manasses, 


Manasseh. 


Mesraim, 


Mizraim. 


Nabuchodonosor, 


IsTebuchadnezzar. 


Ninive, 


Nineveh. 


Noe, 


Noah. 


Pharao, 


Pharaoh. 


Roboam, 


Rehoboam. 


Salmanasar, 


Shalmaneser. 


Sedecias, 


Zedekiah. 


Sem, 


Shem. 



INTRODUCTION. 

1 . History is a record, or narrative, of past events. 

2. History, with respect to time, is divided into 
Ancient History, History of the Middle Ages, and 
Modern History. 

3. Ancient History is the History of the World, 
from the Creation to the Extinction of the Western 
Empire of the Romans, A. C. 4*76. 

4. The History of the Middle Ages is an account 
of events comprising a period of nearly a thousand 
years, from the extinction of the Western Empire of 
the Romans, A. C. 476, to that of the Eastern Em- 
pire, A. C. 1453. 

5. Modern History is the History of the World, 
from the extinction of the Eastern Empire of the 
Romans, A. C. 1452, to the present time. 

6. Ancient History is distinguished by the rise and 

Questions.— 1. What is History? 2. How is it divided? 
8. "What is Ancient History ? 4. What is the History of the 
Middle Ages? 5. What is Modern History? 6. By what is 
Ancient History distinguished ? 



8 HISTOKY INTEODUCTION. 

fall of the four great empires of Assyria, or Babylon ; 
Persia ; Greece, or Macedonia ; and Rome. 

Y. The History of the Middle Ages is remarkable 
for the origin and progress of Mahometanism, the 
prevalence of the Feudal System, the Crusades, and 
Chivalry. 

8. Modern History is distinguished by the discovery 
of America, the Protestant Reformation, the invention 
of the art of Printing, the revival of Letters, and prog- 
ress in the sciences and the useful arts ; also, for the 
American and French Revolutions. 

9. History is also divided, as regards the nature 
of its subjects, into Sacred and Profane, Ecclesiastical 
and Civil. 

10. Sacred History is the narrative of events con- 
tained in the Bible, relating chiefly to the Israelites 
and the dealings of God with that people. 

11. Profane History is the history of the Ancient 
Heathen Nations, and is derived from the writings of 
the Greeks and Romans. 

12. Ecclesiastical History is the history of the 
Church of Christ, from its estabhshment to the present 
time. 

13. Civil History is the history of the various 
nations, states, kingdoms, empires, and republics, 

Questions. — 7. For what is the History of the Middle Ages 
remarkable ? 8. By what is Modern History distinguished ? 
9. How is History divided with regard to subjects ? 10. What 
is Sacred History ? 11. What is Profane History ? 12. What 
is Ecclesiastical History ? 13. What is Civil History ? 



HISTORY ^INTKODUCTION. 9 

that mankind have established in the world, contain- 
ing an account of their wars, revolutions, and 
changes. 

14. Sacred History commences at the earliest 
period of time, recounting the creation of the world, 
the fall of man, the deluge, the dispersion of man- 
kind, the establishment of the different nations, and 
the selection by God of the Israelites as his peculiar 
people. 

15. Profane History is involved in great confusion 
and uncertainty. Save what is recorded in the Bible, 
very httle is known of the history of the world 
during the long period of upwards of three thousand 
years, from the Creation to the year YlS before the 
birth of Christ. 

16. The Greek writer Herodotus is the earliest 
profane historian whose works have been preserved. 
He lived about 445 years B. C, and his history, re- 
lating to the Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, lonians, 
Lydians, Lycians, and Macedonians, reaches back to 
the year 713 B. C. 

11. Ancient Profane History, subsequent to the 
time of Herodotus, particularly those portions relating 
to Greece and Rome, has been tolerably well pre- 
served in the fragments of Greek and Roman litera- 
tm*e which have survived the ravages of time. 



Questions. — 14. "What is said of Sacred History ? 15. What 
is said of Profane History ? 16. Who is the earliest profane 
historian ? 17. What is said of Ancient Profane History ? 



10 HISTOEY INTEODUCTION. 

18. With the exception of occasional obscurity, the 
history of the Middle Ages is comparatively well 
known. 

19. Modern History, its records being well and 
fully preserved, is, of course, best known. 

Questions. — 18. What is said of the History of the Middle 
Ages ? 19. What of Modem History ? 



OUTLINES OF HISTORY. 



PAET FERST. 

ANCIENT HISTORY. 

■ CHAPTER I. 

THE CREATION THE DELUGE THE DISPERSION OF 

MANKIND AND THE CALLING OF ABRAHAM. 

1. The Creation, according to the most reliable 
authority, took place about 4004 years before the 
birth of Christ. The only authentic account of this 
stupendous event is contained in the Bible. This 
account, which, from its sacred writer, Moses, is 
called the Mosaic account, informs us that God 
created the universe, and all things therein, in six 
days ; that on the sixth day the Almighty made the 
body of man from the dust of the earth, and breathed 
into it the breath of life, and that this man was 
called Adam, and was appointed by his Divine 
Master the lord of the animal creation. God rested 
on the seventh day, which he sanctified, and ordained 

Questions. — 1. When was the world created ? "Where is the 
account of this event .to be found, and what is that account? 



12 HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 

to be observed by his creatures as a day of rest and 
devotion to Him. 

2. God seeing that " it was not good for man to 
be alone," cast Adam into a deep sleep, and taking 
from his side a rib, formed of it the first woman, 
who was called Eve, and gave her to Adam as a 
companion. Thus establishing the sacred institution 
of maniage. 

3. Adam and Eve were placed in a terrestrial 
paradise, called the Garden of Eden, which, from 
the most probable accounts, appears to have been 
situated in a part of Asia Minor, since called Meso- 
potamia, lying between the rivers Tigris and Eu- • 
phrates. 

4. God, for the purpose of testing their obedience, 
commanded them to abstain from tasting the fruit of 
a particular tree in the Garden of Eden, under pen- 
alty of death. But Satan, in the form of a serpent, 
having persuaded Eve to transgress this command, 
and she having induced Adam to participate in her 
guilt, God banished them from the delights of Para- 
dise ; and they and their posterity were forever after 
subject to death, and all the moral and physical 
evils which have since that time afflicted mankind. 

5. But in the execution of this just punishment 

Questions. — 2. How was woman created ? 3. Where were 
Adam and Eve placed after their creation? 4. How came 
man to be banished from Paradise, and what were the conse- 
quences ? 5. Wliat promise did God make to man, and to 
what did the promise refer? 



HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 13 

on our first parents, God did not leave man without 
the hope of regaining his forfeited favour. He prom- 
ised him a future Redeemer, who would crush and 
overcome the designs of the Devil, and make an 
atonement which would satisfy His infinite justice. 
A promise which clearly referred to the person of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

6. Man, having disobeyed God, and fallen from 
the favoured state in which he had been placed, 
became in his nature altered and depraved. One of 
the first fruits of this depravity was the murder of 
Abel by his brother Cain ; and subsequently, such 
was the wide-spread impiety and wickedness of man- 
kind for a long series of years, that God, justly pro- 
voked, determined to cut off the human race, with 
the exception of Noe and his family, by a universal 
deluge. 

1. Noe, who by his justice and piety had won 
the favom' of the Almighty, was warned by God of 
his determination, and commanded to construct a 
large vessel, called an ark, capable of sustaining him- 
self and family, and pairs of all kinds of bu-ds, 
beasts, and reptiles. 

8. When the ark was completed, and Noe with 
his family, eight in number, and a pair of each spe- 
cies of birds, beasts, and reptiles had entered it, God 

QtiESTioNS. — 6. What is said of mankind, after the Fall ? 
7. What warning and command did God give to Noe ? 8. 
What occurred after the completion of the ark ? When did 
this happen ? 

2 



14 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

caused the earth to be so deluged by rain from the 
skies, and by breaking down the boundaries of the 
seas, that every creature without the ark perished. 
This event occurred in the year 2384 B. C. 

9. The ark, after floating on the waters 150 days, 
rested on a mountain in Armenia, called Ararat, and 
there remained until the waters had subsided, when 
it was abandoned, its inhabitants having dwelt in it 
one year and ten days. 

10. About one hundred years after the deluge, the 
posterity of Noe, having become numerous, conceived 
the design of building upon a vast plain called Shinar, 
a city, with a tower which should reach the skies, in 
order that they might be secure against any future 
deluge, and acquire fame in after times. But God, 
having designed to form mankind into different na- 
tions, and being displeased with their presumption, 
interrupted them in the midst of their vast undertak- 
ing by confusing their language in such a manner as 
compelled them to relinquish their work, and to sep- 
arate and become dispersed. The city and tower 
which they were thus compelled to leave unfinished 
were called Babel, or Confusion. 2247 B. C. 

1 1 . After this dispersion, the three great portions 
of the Eastern Continent were settled by the three 



Questions. — 9. Where did the ark rest, and when was it 
abandoned ? 10. What happened about 100 years after the 
Deluge ? 11. What happened after the dispersion of man- 
kind? 



HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 15 

sons of Noe. Japheth settled Europe ; Sem, Asia ; 
and Cham, Africa. 

12. The ninth lineal descendant of Sem was Abra- 
ham. He was born in Chaldea ; but God intending 
him to be the progenitor of a great nation, and of the 
promised Redeemer of man, separated him from the 
other descendants of Sem, and placed him in the land 
of Chanaan, which was appointed to be the inherit- 
ance of his posterity, who, in the persons of Jacob and 
his numerous offspring, became the heads of the 
Twelve Tribes of Israel. The calHng of Abraham 
occurred 1921 B. C. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE ISRAELITES, OR JEWS. 

1. The Israelites were descended from Abraham, 
by his son Isaac, and derived their name from Jacob, 
the grandson of Abraham, who was sm-named Israel. 

2. The Israelites were also called Jews, which 
name they derived from Juda, one of the twelve sons 
of Jacob, he being the patriarch of the first of the 
twelve tribes. 



Questions. — 12. Who was Abraham, and what is said of 
him? 1. From whom were the Israelites descended, and 
what is the origin of their name ? 2. Whence did they de- 
rive the name of Jews ? 



16 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

3. They are peculiarly distinguislied as being the 
chosen people of God, and the only nation of anti- 
quity which possessed a knowledge of the true God, 
and true religion, by means of a divine revelation. 

* 4. Their ancient history is found in the Bible, and 
in the works of Josephus, a Jewish historian, who 
lived at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by 
the Romans, under Titus, A. C, '70. 

5. Jacob and his twelve sons, with their families, 
moved from Chanaan to Egypt, and, in process of 
time, their posterity, having become numerous and 
powerful, became an object of fear to the rulers of 
that country. 

6. The Egyptian king, Pharao, for the purpose of 
retarding the progress of the Israelites in power and 
numbers, commenced a systematic course of cruelty 
and oppression, and reduced them to the most abject 
slavery. B. C. 1580. 

1. Nothing, however, could prevent their increase ; 
and finally, after a residence in Egypt of 215 years, 
and after suffering the greatest extremities and un- 
heard-of cruelties, God raised them up a deliverer 
in the person of Moses, the great Hebrew lawgiver, 
who, miraculously assisted, led the Israelites from 
Egypt. 1491 B. C. 

Questions. — 3. How are they distinguished ? 4. Where is 
their ancient history found ? 5. What is said of Jacob and 
his twelve sons, and their posterity ? 6. What is said of King 
Pharao ; and where did he live ? 7. How and by whom were 
the Israelites liberated ; and when did this occur? 



HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 17 

8. They were condemned, however, on account of 
their impiety and rebellion, to wander forty years in 
the wilderness ; and afterwards tool^ possession of the 
land of Chanaan, mider the direction of Josue. 1451 
B.C. 

9. The Israelites, during 356 years after their en- 
trance into Chanaan, were governed by a succession 
of Judges ; though the form of their government was 
essentially a Theocracy, or the immediate government 
of God. 

10. Being dissatisfied with this kind of govern- 
ment, they desired a king. This was granted them 
through the ministration of Samuel, the last of the 
judges, and Saul was anointed the first king of the 
Israelites. B. C. 1019. 

11. David succeeded Saul. He was one of the 
most pious, warlike, and prosperous kings that ruled 
in Israel. He enlarged the boundaries of his kingdom 
by conquests, and systematized and built up the reli- 
gious institutions of his country. 

12. David was succeeded by his son Solomon, 
whose reign was a period of peace and prosperity. 
Solomon was the wealthiest and the wisest monarch 
of his time. His reign was particularly distinguished 
bj^ the building of the celebrated Temple of Jerusa- 

QuESTioNs. — 8. What took place afterwards ? 9. How were 

t^ey governed after their entrance into Chanaan ? 10. Who 

^as their first king, and when was he anointed ? 11. Who 

/succeeded Saul, and what is said of him ? 12. Who succeeded 

Pavid ? What is said of Solomon ? 

2* 



18 HISTORY — ANCIENT. 

lem. This magnificent structure was completed in 
about seven years, and was dedicated about the year 
1004 B. C. 

13. Roboam, the son of Solomon, succeeded his 
father. During his reign ten of the twelve tribes of 
Israel revolted from his authority, and two kingdoms 
were formed : one styled the kingdom of Juda, in- 
cluding also the tribe of Benjamin ; and the other, 
the kingdom of Israel, consisting of the other ten 
tribes. 

14. The kingdom of Israel was governed by a suc- 
cession of idolatrous kings, during the space of 254 
years ; after which it was overthrown by the Assyr- 
ians, under their king Salmanasar, who led the greater 
part of the inhabitants into captivity. B. C. 721. 
They were dispersed throughout Syria, and never 
more returned. 

15. The kingdom of Juda, after the revolt of the 
Ten Tribes, continued to be governed by kings of the 
family of David for 387 years. During the reign of 
Sedecias, the last king, Jerusalem was taken, after a 
twelve months' siege, by Nabuchodonosor, King of 
Babylon. The city and temple were razed to their 
foundations. The family of Sedecias was put to death. 
He himself, his eyes having been cruelly put out, was 
carried with his miserable subjects captive to Baby- 
lon. B. C. 606. 

Questions. — 13. Who succeeded Solomon ? What occurred 
during this reign ? 14. What is said of the kingdom of Israel ? 
15. What is said of the kingdom of Juda ? 



HISTORY — ANCIENT. 19 

16. The Jews Avere held in captivity in Babylon 
for 10 years ; at the end of which time Cyrus the 
Great, King of Persia, having overthrown the Baby- 
lonian empire, pubhshed an edict, allowing them to 
return and rebuild the city and Temple of Jerusalem. 
CjTus restored to them all the vessels of the Tem- 
ple which Nabuchodonosor had taken from it, and 
even furnished them the means to rebuild the Tem- 
ple. B. C. 536. 

17. From this period the Jews were successively 
under the dominion of the Persians, the Macedonians, 
the Ptolemies (kings of Egypt), the Selucidse (kings 
of Syi'ia), and the Machabees (Jewish princes), until 
they were finally conquered by the Romans, under 
Pompey, B. C. 63. 

18. In the VOth year after Ohrist, Jerusalem was 
taken by the Romans, under Titus, and utterly 
destroyed, according to the prophecy of our Saviom- ; 
and since that event the Jews have been dispersed 
throughout all parts of the world. 

Questions.— 16. What took place afterwards? 17. What 
was their condition after their return ? 18. What happened in 
the 70th year after Christ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 



CHAPTER III. 



EGYPT. 

1. It is mucli to be regretted that our knowledge 
of the ancient history of Egypt is very hmited. We 
have derived from that country no historical writings ; 
and, save what can be gathered from the works of 
other nations, and the glorious monuments of former 
opulence and splendour which have existed up to the 
present time, the wonder and admiration of every 
age, nothing remains to attest the ancient glory of 
this celebrated kingdom. 

2. Enough, however, can be gleaned from these to 
render it certain that Egypt was among the earliest 
civilized nations of antiquity, and so far surpassed her 
contemporaries in the attainment of the arts and sci- 
ences and of hterature, as to become the resort of the 
illustrious men of other nations and the most renowned 
school of wisdom and politics. This country has been 
justly styled the cradle of the sciences. 

3. The foundation of this kingdom of Egypt was 
laid by Menes — called in Scripture, Mesraim, the 
second son of Cham. He was the first monarch, and 
is said to have built the famous city of Memphis. 
B. C. 2188. 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the ancient history of Egypt, 
and what are the sources of our knowledge ? 2. What can be 
gleaned from these sources ? 8. By whom was the kingdom 
of Egypt founded, and when ? 



HISTORY — ANCIENT. 21 

4. After the death of Menes, the land was dmded 
among his children, thus erecting four States ; — 
Thebes, Thin, Memphis, and Tanis ; which, after a 
separate existence of many years, became reunited 
under one monarch. 

5. The reigns of Menes and his descendants were 
generally peaceful, and conducive to the improve- 
ment and civilization of the people. During the 
reign, however, of Timaus, the last of them, the 
government was overthrown by a barbarous people 
from the East, who, in the persons of their sovereigns, 
called the Shepherd Kings, ruled the country for 
upwards of two hundred years. 

6. The third race of Egyptian kings consisted of 
the princes of the house of the Pharaos, who gov- 
erned the kingdom during the residence of the Israel- 
ites in Egypt, and up to the time of Cambyses, King 
of Persia. This monarch invaded and conquered 
the country, and annexed it to his own dominions. 
525 B. C. 

v. During the reign of these three races of kings, 
Egypt had steadily advanced in the arts of civilized 
life, and became the most renowned country of the 
world. Yet the Egyptians were not remarkable as 

Questions. — i. What happened after the death of Menes ? 
5, What is said of the reigns of Menes and his descendants ? 
Wlio next governed the kingdom? 6. What was the tliird 
race of Egyptian kings? What ended their dominion? 
7. Wliat is said of Egypt during the three races of kings ? 
What is said of Sesostris ? 



Wl HISTORY ANCIENT. 

a warlike people, apparently cultivating alone the 
more enduring pursuits of peace. Sesostris, who has 
been styled the Magnificent, was the only king of 
that country renowned as a great conqueror. He 
made the conquest of Lybia, marched through Asia, 
invaded Europe, and subdued the Thracians. After 
his return from these warhke expeditions, he devoted 
his time to the encouragement of the fine arts and 
the general improvement of his kingdom. 

8. After the conquest of the country by Cambyses, 
Egypt being reduced to a province of Persia, the pro- 
gress of the people declined as rapidly as it had 
advanced, until Alexander the Great wrested the 
country from the power of Persia, and incorporated 
it with his vast dominions. 330 B. C. 

9. After the death of Alexander, the great empire 
he had built up was dismembered and portioned out 
to his generals. Egypt fell to the share of Ptolemy 
Lagus, the head of the last race of Egyptian kings, 
known as the Ptolemies. B. C. 312. 

10. Dm'ing the reigns of Ptolemy Lagus and his 
son and successor, Ptolemy Philadelphus, Egypt 
rapidly regained her ancient lustre, and attained a 
position in the arts, in science, and in commerce, 
which at that time eclipsed every other portion of the 
world. 



Questions. — 8. What is said of Egypt, after the conquest of 
Camhyses ? 9. What happened after the death of Alexander ? 
10. What is said of Egypt, under the first Ptolemies? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 23 

11. The Ptolemies reigned in Egypt nearly three 
hundred years ; till during the reign of the celebrated 
Queen Cleopatra, the last of that famous line of 
sovereigns, the fate of the kingdom was sealed by 
the result of the Battle of Actium, and the country 
was reduced to a province of the Roman Empire. 
B. C. 31. 

12. Egypt is this day celebrated on account of the 
nimierous remains of former splendour, which attest 
its great antiquity and early attainments in the arts. 
The pyi'amids, obelisks, catacombs, and the magnifi- 
cent ruins of the ancient temples and cities, excite the 
wonder and admu-ation of the traveller. Modern art 
would in vain attempt to imitate these vast works. 
Their antiquity is so great, that no date can be fixed 
to their construction. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE PHOENICIANS. 

1. The Phoenicians, styled in Scripture Chanaan- 
ites, inhabited the part of Asia bordering on the 
eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Their prin- 

QiTESTioNS. — 11. How long did the race of Ptolemies reign, 
and with whom did it end? 12. For what is Egypt now 
celebrated I 1. What part of the world did the Phoenicians 
inhabit ? What is said of their principal cities ? 



24: HISTORY ANCIENT. 

cipal cities, Tyre and Sidon, were perhaps the most 
ancient mentioned in history, and in remote ages they 
were celebrated as the most considerable seats of 
commerce in the world. 

2. Less is known of their history, however, than 
of that of the Egyptians ; and with the exception of 
a few doubtful fragments from the history of the 
Phoenician writer, Sanconiathon, and occasional ref- 
erence to them in the Bible and by the Greek his- 
torians, there is nothing which throws light upon the 
annals of this remarkable and enterprising people. 

3. They were certainly among the earliest civilized 
nations, and the world is indebted to them for some 
of the most valuable inventions and discoveries. They 
carried the art of navigation to great perfection, for 
the age in which they lived ; and invented letters, 
glass, purple, and coinage. Although the invention 
of letters has been also ascribed to the Egyptians, yet 
it appears that the Phoenicians were the first to im- 
part the benefits of that great invention to the other 
nations — Cadmus, a Phoenician, having first mtro- 
duced a knowledge of letters into Greece. 

4. Besides this, these early pioneers of civilization 
explored the whole extent of the Mediterranean Sea, 
planting colonies in Cyprus, Rhodes, Greece, Sicily, 
Sardinia, and Spain, and even visited the shores of 

Questions. — 2. What is said of their history? 3. What 
further is said of them, and for what is the world indebted 
to them? 4. For what, besides, were the Phcenicians re- 
markable ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 25 

Ireland, where, it is said, they also left a colony. 
Dido, a Phoenician princess, the sister of Pygmalion, 
King of Tyre, founded the celebrated city of Carthage. 



CHAPTER V. 

ASSYRIA AND BABYLON. 

1. Assyria was the first of the four great empires 
of antiquity. Its name is derived from Assur, the 
second son of Sem, and the grandson of Noe, who 
laid the foundation of the empire. B. C. 2229. 
Assur built the city of Ninive, which afterwards 
became the capital of the empire. 

2. About the same time, Nimrod, who was the 
grandson of Cham, and great-grandson of Noe, laid 
the foundation of Babylon. Nimrod, who is gen- 
erally supposed to be the same as the Belus spoken 
of by profane historians, is said to have been the first 
person of the earth who assumed the rank of king. 
He is described in Scripture as one " mighty on the 
earth." 

3. The early accounts of Assyiia and Babylon are 
involved in much doubt and perplexity. It is gen- 
erally supposed, however, that they existed as distinct 

Questions.— 1. What is said of the Assyrian Empire ? When 
and by whom was it founded ? 2. When and by whom was 
Babylon founded ? What is said of Nimrod ? 3. What is said 
of the early history of Assyria and Babylon? 
3 



26 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

and separate kingdoms for several years, down to the 
time of Ninus. 

4. Ninus, the successor of Assur in the kingdom 
of Assyria, who is represented as a great and power- 
ful sovereign, seized upon Chaldea and Babylon, and 
thus united the two kingdoms in one empire, the 
extent of which he greatly increased by other con- 
quests. The seat of the empire was fixed at Ninive, 
which Ninus greatly enlai-ged and beautified. 

5. Ninus was succeeded in the government of the 
empire by his wife, Semiramis, a woman of great 
beauty, ambition, and talents. She governed with 
great energy and courage ; improved and regulated 
the internal affairs of her empire ; and so enlarged 
and adorned Babylon, that it became the most mag- 
nificent city of the world. After a splendid reign of 
upwards of forty years, Semiramis abdicated, leaving 
the empire to her son, Ninyas. B. C. 1965. 

6. From the reign of Ninyas to that of Sardanap- 
alus, there is a great gap of several centuries in the 
history of Assyria and Babylon, there being no re- 
liable accounts remaining of the empire during that 
long period. 

v. Sardanapalus was a most effeminate and volup- 
tuous monarch. His reign was inglorious, and his 

Questions. — 4. Who was Ninus ? How were the kingdoms 
of Assyria and Babylon united ? 5. Who was Semiramis, and 
what is said of her? 6. What is said of the history of Assyria 
and Babylon, after the reign of Ninyas ? 7. What was the 
character of Sardanapalus ? What occurred during his reign ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 27 

life shameful. At length, Arbaces, Governor of 
Media, and Belesis, a priest of Babylon, determining 
to end his effeminate rule, excited a rebellion against 
him. A great battle was fought ; and Sardanapalus, 
being defeated, shut himself up in his palace, which 
he fired, and he himself, his women, and his treasm-es, 
were consumed in the flames, B. C. 840. 

8. After the death of Sardanapalus, the empire 
became dismembered, and divided into three king- 
doms — Media, Babylon, and Assyria, Arbaces as- 
sumed the sovereignty of the first ; Belesis of the 
second ; and Phul of the third. 

9. The successors of Phul, in Assyria, were, 1st, 
Tig-lath-pi-le-ser ; 2d, Salmanasar, who put an end 
to the kingdom of Israel, and carried the inhabitants 
captive ; 3d, Sennacherib, who besieged Jerusalem 
in the time of Ezechias, but was defeated by the 
interposition of God, who in one night scattered and 
destroyed his immense army ; 4th, Asarhaddon, who 
defeated Manasses, King of Juda, and carried him 
captive to his dominions. 

10. After the death of Asarhaddon, Nabuchod- 
onosor, King of Babylon, aided by Cyaxares, King 
of Media, besieged and utterly destroyed the city of 
Ninive, overthrew the Assyrian monarchy, and made 
Babylon the seat of his empire. 



Questions. — 8. What happened after his death? 9. Who 
were the successors of Phul, in the kingdom of Assyria? 
10. What happened after the death of Asarhaddon ? 



28 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

11. Nabuchodonosor I. was succeeded by liis son, 
Nabuchodonosor XL, who took the city of Jerusalem, 
and carried the Jews captive to Babylon. B. C. 606. 

12. Nabuchodonosor II. was succeeded by Bal- 
tassar, a prince who justly incurred the displeasure 
of the Almighty by his impiety. God raised up a 
dehverer for his chosen people, then held in captivity, 
in the person of Cyrus the Great, King of Persia. 
Whilst Baltassar was feasting and rioting in Babylon, 
Cyrus, who had besieged the city for two years 
without success, conceived the extraordinary plan of 
turning the river Euphrates, which ran through the 
city, from its course, thus making a channel for his 
army to pass beneath the walls. The plan succeeded. 
The city was taken ; Baltassar perished, and Babylonia 
became a province of Persia. B. C. 538. 



CHAPTER VI. 



1. The second of the four celebrated empires of 
ancient times was Persia. Originally an inconsid- 
erable kingdom, it occupied so insignificant a position. 

Questions. — 11. Who succeeded Nabuchodonosor I. ? 12. 
Who succeeded Nabuchodonosor II. ? What was the character 
of Btdtassar? How was Babylon taken? 1. What is said of 
Persia and its early history ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 5441 

and the few accounts we have of it are so clouded by- 
doubt and mingled with fable, that pre\aous to the 
tinie of Cyrus the Great its history presents httle or 
nothing of any importance. It was originally called 
Elam ; and the inhabitants, who were descendants of 
Sem, bore the name of Elamites. 

2. Cyiiis, surnamed the Great, succeeded his 
father Cambyses to the throne of Persia, and com- 
menced a splendid and victorious reign. By a bril- 
liant train of conquests he laid the foundation, and 
by a wise and just administration built up and con- 
solidated, the great Persian empire. Succeeding in 
right of his uncle, Cyaxeres II., to the throne of 
Media, that country became a portion of his domin- 
ions. He also subjected to his power, by conquest, 
Babylonia, Lydia, Asia Minor, Assyria, and Arabia. 
It has been seen that Egypt was afterwards added 
to these by his successor, Cambyses the Younger. 

3. Cyrus is celebrated both in profane and sacred 
histoiy, and his character comes to us adorned with 
all the traits which should distinguish a good and 
great sovereign. His character, as portrayed by the 
pen of Xenophon, is that of a magnanimous prince, 
a wise ruler, and a heroic warriour ; and the accounts 
we have of him in Scripture, particularly his humane 
hberation and treatment of the Jews, go far to con- 
j&rm the truth of the description. 

Questions. — 2. What is related of Cyrus the Great? 3. 
What is the account we have of his character ? 
3* 



30 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

4. Cyrus was succeeded by his son, Cambyses the 
Younger, whose character was very unhke that of 
his father. He is represented as a cruel and re- 
morseless tyrant. His principal exploit was the con- 
quest of Egypt. On his death, the throne was 
usurped by Smerdis, who, after a reign of a few 
months, having been assassinated, was succeeded by 
Darius Hystaspes. 

5. From the reign of Darius Hystaspes, 490 B. C, 
to the overflow of the empire by Alexander the 
Great, 330 B. C, the history of Persia is intimately 
connected with that of Greece. Darius invaded 
Greece with a large army, and was defeated at 
Marathon. 

6. Darius was succeeded by his son, Xerxes, who 
made the second invasion of Greece. He also was 
utterly defeated. He was succeeded by Artaxerxes 
I., who reigned long and peacefully. 

v. The other two principal sovereigns were — 
Artaxerxes II., during whose reign Xenophon made 
the famous retreat, with 10,000 Greeks, through a 
hostile country, 1600 miles in extent; and Darius 
Codomanus, the last sovereign of the Persian empire, 
who was defeated by Alexander the Great. With 
him the empire terminated. 330 B. C. 



Questions. — 4. Who siicceeded Cyrus? What -was the 
character of Cambyses ? 5. W^hat is said of the history of 
Persia, from the time of Darius ? 6. Who succeeded Darius ? 
7. Who were the other two principal sovereigns I 



HISTOKT ANCIENT. 31 



CHAPTER VII. 

G R E E C E S E C T I O N I. 

From the earliest accounts of the country to the first Persian 
War. 490 B. 0. 

1. Greece was the most celebrated country of 
antiquity. Small and inconsiderable as it was in 
extent, it has exerted an influence over the progress 
of mankind in civilization, art, science, and literature; 
which is still felt, and will continue to be felt to the 
end of time. 

2. Forming a peninsula, in the southeastern ex- 
tremity of Europe, it was bounded on all sides by 
water, excepting on the north, where it was bounded 
by Macedonia and Epirus. The latter kingdoms may 
be considered as forming a portion of ancient Greece, 
as they were inhabited by a people of similar origin, 
language, and religion. The Greeks, however, did 
not recognize them as a part of their body, consider- 
ing them as barbarous, and despising them because 
they retained the rude monarchical form of govern- 
ment, so different from the republics which, for the 
most part, constituted the Grecian Confederacy. 

3. Greece was originally called Hellas, and its in- 

Qtjestions. — 1. What is said of Greece ? 2. How was 
Greece situated and bounded ? What is said of Macedonia 
and Epirus ? 3. What was Greece called originally, and what 
is said of its early inhabitants 1 



32 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

habitants Hellenes. The aboriginal inhabitants, who 
are generally considered as descendants of Japheth, 
son of Noe, are described as being extremely bar- 
barous, wandering in woods, without any form of 
government ; clothing themselves with the skins of 
beasts ; living on fruit and raw flesh, and even devoui'- 
ing the enemies they slew in battle. 

4. Such was the character of the people when the 
Phoenicians and Egyptians planted their colonies in 
Greece, and introduced the rudiments of civilization. 
Sicyon, the most ancient city, Avas founded by ^gi- 
alus : Argos, a short time afterwards (1857 B. C), 
was founded by Inachus, the Phoenician ; and Athens, 
which has become so famous in history, was founded 
by Cecrops, the Egyptian. 1556 B. C. 

5. The history of Greece may be divided into two 
general periods : 1st. The period of Uncertain His- 
tory, extending from the earliest accounts to the first 
Persian War, 490 B. C. ; 2d. The period of Authen- 
tic History, extending from the first Persian War to 
the subjugation of Greece by the Romans. 146 B. C. 

6. The first division, which forms the subject of 
this section, reckoning from the foundation of Sicyon, 
the most ancient city of Greece, embraces about 1600 
years ; which long period is so involved in obscurity 
and fable, that but little is known of it with certainty. 

Questions. — 4. Who planted colonies in Greece? What 
cities were first founded, and by whom ? 5. How may the 
History of Greece be divided ? 6. What is said of the first 
period ? 



HISTORY — ANCIENT. 66 

V. At a very early period, the Greeks instituted 
the Olympic, Isthmian, Pythian, and Nemean Games, 
•which were frequented by the people from all parts 
of the country, and were celebrated, not only by 
various athletic exercises, but also by contests between 
poets, orators, artists, philosophers, and musicians. 
These public games, where rewards and public 
honours were conferred upon the victors, exercised a 
most beneficial influence over the spirit of the people, 
and tended greatly towards the formation of a 
national character. 

8. The Amphyctionic Council was also a very early 
institution of the Greeks. Greece being divided into 
a number of small, independent States, differing from 
each other in forms of government, and the charac- 
ter and manners of the people, it was early found 
important that, for the purpose of their mutual de- 
fence, they should be united in a Confederacy. Hence, 
they established the Council of the Amphyctions, 
which was composed of deputies from the several 
States, and usually met twice a year. 

9. The first great enterprise of the Greeks was the 
Argonautic expedition, the true history of which is 
almost entirely obscured by the fabulous accounts 
given of it. The Argonauts, commanded by Jason, 
are said to have sailed from lolchos, in Greece, to 

Questions. — 7. What were instituted by the Greeks, at a 
very early period ? 8. What was another early institution of 
Greece, and how came it to be established? 9. W^hat was 
the first great enterprise of the Greeks ? 



34: HISTORY — ^ANCIENT. 

Cholcliis, on the Euxine Sea, for the purpose of re- 
covering the Golden Fleece of a ram which originally- 
belonged to their country. 

10. There is no doubt that this expedition was a 
real event ; and undertaken, it is supposed, both for 
military and mercantile purposes. The object signi- 
fied by the " Golden Fleece" was, in all probability, 
to open the commerce of the Euxine Sea, and plant 
an establishment on its coast. The Argonauts were 
guided in their voyage by the astronomer Chiron. 
The expedition took place 1263 B. C. 

1 1 . The most celebrated event in this portion of 
the history of Greece is the Trojan War, which rests 
wholly on the authority of Homer, and forms the 
subject of his great poem, the Iliad. 

12. According to Homer, Paris, the son of Priam, 
King of Troy, visited Menelaus, King of Sparta, and 
persuaded his wife, Helen, the most beautiful woman 
of her age, to fly with him to Troy ; and, in conse- 
quence, all the Grecian princes united to avenge the 
outrage. Agamemnon, King of Argos, was chosen 
Commander-in-Chief; and among the other com- 
manders were Achilles, Ajax, Menelaus, and Ulysses. 

13. After a siege of ten years, the city of Troy 
was taken by the Greeks and burnt to the ground. 
Priam and his son Hector were slain, and an end 

Questions. — 10. What is said of this expedition ? 11. What 
is the most celebrated event of this portion of Grecian his- 
tory? 12. What was the origin of this war? 13. What was 
the result of the war ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 35 

was put to the kingdom. This event took place 
1184 B.C. 

14. About eighty years after the destruction of 
Troy, the civil war of the Heraclidae commenced. 
1104 B. C. Hercules, King of Mycenae, a city of 
Peloponnesus, had been banished from his throne and 
country, and his crown had been seized by usurpers, 
who governed his dominions for about one hundred 
years. At the expiration of that period, his descend- 
ants, who are called the Heraclidae, retui^ned to Pelo- 
ponnesus, and, subduing their enemies, took posses- 
sion of Mycenae, Argos, and Lacedaemon. 

15. The two leading States of ancient Greece were 
Athens and Sparta, which was also called Lacedae- 
mon. The characters, habits, and tastes of these 
States were very different. The former was distin- 
guished for refinement and taste, and the cultivation 
of literature and the arts ; and the latter for the rude 
valour, physical hardihood, and iron discipline which 
characterized its citizens. 

16. This difference, in the characters of the people 
of the two States, was mainly owing to the influence 
of laws and institutions which their respective legis- 
lators — Solon, of Athens, and Lycurgus, of Sparta — 
established for their government. 



Questions. — 14. What happened about eighty years after 
the destruction of Troy ? 15. What were the two leading 
States of Greece, and what is said of them? 16. To what 
was this difference owing ? 



do HI8T0KY ANCIENT. 

lY. Sparta, or Lacedaemon, after the return of the 
Heraclidee, and up to the time of Lycurgus, had ex- 
isted as a double monarchy — two kings reigning 
jointly and with equal authority. Lycurgus, how- 
ever, wrought a great change, not only in the form of 
government, but also in the manners of the people. 
His aim was to form a nation of soldiers, and the 
history of Sparta shows how well he succeeded. 

18. Lycurgus instituted a Senate of twenty-eight 
members, rendeiing it superiour in authority to the 
kings, who were merely its presiding officers and the 
generals of the army. His laws prohibited com- 
merce, and the use of gold and silver, iron money 
being the only currency allowed. Distinction of 
dress was abolished, and all the citizens, including 
even the kings, were required to eat at public tables, 
and subsist on coarse and frugal fare. Children, 
who were not deformed, were educated at the public 
expense, for the service of the State. The rest were 
suffered to perish. Literature was not encouraged ; 
and although some knowledge of letters was im- 
parted, the Spartans were never remarkable for their 
learning; war, and the art of successfully carrying 
it on, being considered by them the great business 
of life. Lycurgus lived 884 B. C. 

19. Athens, the capital of Attica, like all the 



Questions. — 17. "What is said of Sparta and Lycurgus ? 18. 
What were the changes instituted by Lycurgus ? 19. What 
is said of the government of Athens ? 



HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 37 

States of Greece, was at first governed by kings. 
The last king was Codrus, who sacrificed his Hfe for 
the good of his country, during the war of the Her- 
acHdse. After his death the form of the government 
was changed, and the supreme power was vested in 
magistrates, called Archons. The office of Archon 
was at first held for hfe : it was afterwards reduced 
to ten years; and finally became annual, and was 
divided among nine persons. 

20. The people of Athens, being oppressed by the 
severe code of laws established by their former law- 
giver, Draco, which punished all offences with death, 
entrusted Solon, one of the seven wise men of Greece, 
who had been elected an Archon, with the task of 
establishing a new system. 

21. Solon proved himself worthy of the important 
trust ; and, by a rational and judicious course, framed 
and estabhshed institutions admirably adapted to the 
spirit of the people. He vested the supreme power 
of the State in an assembly of the people, composed 
of freemen above the age of 30 years ; established 
a Senate of 400 ; restored the ancient court of the 
Areopagus, and divided the people into four classes, 
according to wealth. His laws encouraged com- 
merce, agriculture, and the arts, and established ex- 
cellent rules of justice and order. 

22. The difference in the laws of Athens and 

Questions. — 20. What was entrusted to Solon? 21. What 
is said of Solon and Ms laws ? 
4 



38 HISTORY — ANCIENT. 

Sparta in time produced a corresponding difference 
in the character and manners of the inhabitants of 
the two Republics. The people of both States, 
however, were equally jealous of their hberties, and 
equally brave in war, 

23. During the time of Solon, Pisistratus, a weal- 
thy and ambitious citizen, contrived, by courting the 
favour of the people, to raise himself to the supreme 
authority in Athens, which he and his sons retained 
for fifty years. 

24. Pisistratus exercised a princely rule ; and by 
the munificent patronage he extended to the arts, 
sciences, and literature, rendered his administration 
one of the most brilliant eras in the history of 
Athens. On his death, he transmitted his power 
to his two sons, Hippias and Hipparchus, who were 
called the Pisistratidae, who for some time governed 
the State with wisdom and moderation. But having 
at length abused their power, they became obnoxious 
to the people. A conspiracy, headed by Harmodius 
and Aristogiton, was formed against them, and they 
were deposed. Hipparchus was slain, and Hippias 
fled for succour to Darius Hystaspes, King of Persia, 
who was at that time preparing to invade Greece. 



Questions.- — 22, "What is said of tlie influence of the laws of 
Lycurgus and Solon on the inhabitants of Athens and Sparta? 
23. What happened during the time of Solon ? 24, What is 
eaid of Pisistratus ? To whom did Pisistratus transmit his 
power? How did the rule of the Pisistratidee end? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 39 



SECTION II. 

From the First Persian War, 490 B. C, to the Battle of 
Mmitinea, 3C3 B.C. 

1. With the Persian Wars the authentic History 
of Greece may be considered to commence. This 
period forms the most glorious age of Grecian his- 
tory. The splendid series of victories in this memo- 
rable contest, illustrating the valour of the Greeks, 
elevating the confederacy to the pinnacle of renown, 
and overwhelming in confusion and defeat the Per- 
sian hosts, remain even to this day unparalleled in 
history. 

2. Darius Hystaspes, who, as we have seen, suc- 
ceeded the usurper .Smerdis to the throne of Persia, 
was at this time the most powerful sovereign in the 
world. The Grecian colonies in Asia Minor, then 
under the Persian dominion, having rebelled, and at- 
tempted to throw off the yoke of the empire, were 
assisted by the Athenians. This so offended Darius, 
that he determined to subjugate the whole of Greece 
— a determination which was encouraged and has- 
tened by Hippias, the son of Pisistratus, who about 
this time was dethroned, and an exile in Persia. 

Questions. — 1. When does the authentic history of Greece 
commence ? What is said of this period ? 2. Who was the 
Persian king at this time, and what produced the Persian 
war? 



4:0 HISTOKY ANCIENT. 

3. A Persian army, consisting of 110,000 men, 
led by the most distinguished generals, invaded the 
country, and poured down hke a torrent upon Attica, 
Miltiades, the Athenian general, at the head of an 
army of 10,000 men, met this immense force upon 
the plains of Marathon, a short distance from the city 
of Athens. A bloody battle ensued, which, notwith- 
standing their great superiority in numbers, resulted 
in the complete defeat of the Persians, who were 
driven from the field to their ships. 490 B. C. 

4. In consequence of this signal and decisive vic- 
tory, the gallant general, Miltiades, enjoyed for a 
brief period the height of favour and popularity. 
But having shortl}^ after made an unsuccessful attack 
upon the island of Paros, he was accused of treason 
by his enemies, and thrown into prison, where he 
was suffered to die from wounds received in the ser- 
vice of his ungrateful country. 

5. Darius, overwhelmed by the disastrous issue of 
his enterprise, soon after died, and was succeeded 
by his son Xerxes, who, in a few years, determining 
to carry out the frustrated designs of his father, re- 
newed the war. 

6. The vast preparations made by Xerxes for this 
great purpose evince that the power and the valour 
of the Greeks were not only fully appreciated, but 

Questions. — 3. How did the war commence, and what was 
the result of the first invasion ? 4. What became of Miltiades ? 
5. Under whom was the war renewed ? 6. What is said of 
the preparations of Xerxes ? 



HISTOKY ANCIENT. 41 

feared by the Persian monarch. He collected an 
army, which, including his naval forces, amounted 
to the immense number of 2,31*7,600 fighting men; 
and the addition of his retinue of sutlers, slaves, and 
women, swelled the host that attended the expedi- 
tion to 5,000,000. 

v. Having crossed the Hellespont with his land 
forces by means of a bridge of boats, Xerxes ad- 
vanced rapidly against the Athenians and Lacedae- 
monians. But his progress was arrested at the pass 
of Thermopylae, in Phocis. Here, Leonidas, King of 
Sparta, at the head of three hundred of his brave 
countrymen, withstood the vast power of the invader 
for three days. The discovery of a secret path, 
however, having given the Persians the advantage, 
Leonidas and his gallant soldiers perished to a man. 
Xerxes is said to have lost there his choicest troops. 
480 B. C. 

8. The Persians immediately entered Attica, ravag- 
ing the country with fire and sword. As they ap- 
proached Athens, the inhabitants, panic-stricken, 
abandoned the city, and took refuge in their ships. 
The invaders, unopposed, entered Athens, which they 
pillaged and burnt. 

9. But a serious reverse awaited the Persians. 
The inhabitants of Athens having embarked their 

Questions. — 7. What happened after the Persians crossed 
the Hellespont? 8. What happened after the battle at Ther- 
mopyltB ? 9. What reverse awaited the Persians ? What 
was the result of the battle of Salamis 2 
4* 



42 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

fortunes in their fleet, consisting of 300 galleys, under 
the command of Themistocles and Aristides, shortly 
after engaged the Persian fleet of 1200 galleys, in 
the straits of Salamis, and defeated them with im- 
mense loss. Xerxes, seated on an elevated point of 
the coast, which overlooked the conflict, seeing the 
utter destruction of his vast armament, and terrified 
at the result, precipitately retreated with a part of 
his army and returned to his dominions. 

10. He, however, left his general, Mardonius, at 
the head of 300,000 men, to complete the conquest 
of Greece. The succeeding summer, however, sealed 
the fate of this army. Mardonius was met at Platsea 
by the combined forces of the Athenians and Lacedae- 
monians, under Aristides and Pausanias, and his im- 
mense army was completely routed and cut to pieces, 
Mardonius himself being among the slain. 479 B. C. 

11. On the same day which was signalized by the 
victory at Platsea, the Greeks, under Leotychides, 
the Lacedaemonian, and Xanthipphus, the Athenian, 
engaged the remainder of the Persian fleet off the 
promontory of Mycale, and gained a glorious and 
decisive victory — thus completely destroying the im- 
posing host which, so short a time before, threatened 
their country with annihilation. Xerxes was soon 
after assassinated, and was succeeded by his son Ar- 
taxerxes Longimanus. 

Questions. — 10. Whom did Xerxes leave in Greece ? What 
was the fate of this army? 11. What happened on the same 
day ? What became of Xerxes ? 



HISTOEY ANCIENT. 43 

12. The Greeks, emboldened by their successes, 
now assumed the attitude of assailants, and boldly 
determined to liberate from the Persian yoke the 
Greek colonies of Asia Minor. 

13. The Spartans, commanded by Pausanias, and 
the Athenians by Aristides and Cimon, the son of 
Miltiades, took possession of the island of Cyprus, 
which they set free. They also took the city of By- 
zantium, which they plundered. 

14. About this time, Pausanias, the Spartan, being 
convicted of treasonable communication with the 
Persian monarch, was suffered to die of hunger in 
the Temple of Minerva, whither he had fled for 
refuge from his enemies. Themistocles, the Athe- 
nian, being accused of participating in the treason of 
Pausanias, was banished by his indignant country- 
men, and the affairs of Athens were for a short time 
conducted by Aristides. 

15. On the death of Aristides, the supreme power 
in Athens devolved on Cimon, the son of Miltiades, 
who justly earned the reputation of being one of the 
most illustrious statesmen and warriors that Greece 
ever produced. Shortly after his elevation to power, 
he attacked and completely destroyed an army of 
300,000 Persians, near the mouth of the river Eury- 
midon, in Asia Minor. Subsequently, after a brilliant 

Questions. — 12. "What attitude did the Greeks now assume? 
13. What are the next events of the war ? 14. What hap- 
pened about this time ? 15. Who succeeded Aristides in th© 
supreme power at Athens ? What is said of Cimon ? 



44: HISTOKY ANCIENT. 

military career, in wliich he constantly defeated the 
Persians, he died of a wound received at the siege 
of Cictium. 

16. Shortly after this event, the Persian war, 
which had lasted about fifty years, ended — Artax- 
erxes having, in consequence of the disastrous de- 
feats which his armies sustained, sued for peace. 
The Greeks granted the peace, on condition that the 
Greek colonies in Asia should be free, and that no 
Persian ship of war should enter the Grecian seas. 

IV. The period of the Persian war was the most 
glorious in Grecian histor}^ Though a relish for 
Asiatic manners and luxuries was contracted, litera- 
ture and the arts were cultivated at Athens with 
great success. Pericles, who, after the termination 
of the war, ruled Athens for about forty j^ears, was 
a most hberal patron of the arts and sciences. His 
administration, during which the city was adorned 
with master- pieces, of architecture, sculpture, and 
painting, formed an era of great internal splendour 
and magnificence. 

18. But before the death of Pericles, the Pelopon- 
nesian War, arising out of the long-continued rival- 
ship of Athens and Sparta, involved nearly all the 
States of Greece in a sanguinary contest, which, 
during twenty-seven years, wasted the energies and 

Questions. — 16. What happened shortly after the death of 
Cimon ? 17. What is said of Greece at the period of the Per- 
Bian war, and during the age of Pericles ? 18. Wliat happened 
before the death of Pericles ? 



HISTOEY ^ANCIENT. 45 

destroyed the power of the whole. The great mili- 
tary power which the Grecian States had acquired, 
by their union against a common enemy, was in this 
war frittered away and lost by their impolitic quarrels 
and divisions. 

19. The Athenians having been accused by the 
Coi'inthians of violating the treaty of the' confeder- 
ated States of Peloponnesus, an appeal to arms was 
resolved on. Sparta took the lead against Athens, 
and was joined by nearly all of the Confederacy. 
A few of the States in Northern Greece sided with 
Athens. 

20. The contest was essentially a civil war, and 
was conducted in a spirit of savage ferocity, strangely 
at variance with the high state of refinement and 
ci\ahzation which at that time characterized Greece. 

21. Each party having in time suffered severe 
losses, the Peloponnesian War ended in the defeat of 
the Athenians. The Spartans, under Lysander, com- 
pletely destroyed the Athenian fleet at ^gos Pota- 
mos, and Athens was placed at the mercy of her 
enemies. The Athenians were compelled to accede 
to the most humiliating terms of peace, and Sparta 
became the leading power in Greece. 

22. Lysander, after the reduction of Athens, 

Questions. — 19. What v/as the immediate cause of the 
Peloponnesian war ? 20. What was the character of this eon- 
test? 21. How was the Peloponnesian war ended? 22. What 
happened after the reduction of Athens ? How was the popu- 
lar 2;overnnient restored ? 



46 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

abolished the popular government, and substituted in 
its place an oligarchy, consisting of thirty magistrates, 
who, from their atrocious acts of cruelty, were styled 
the Thirty Tyrants. Their power, however, was of 
short duration. Before a year elapsed, Thrasybulus, 
at the head of a band of patriots, overthrew their 
authority ;' expelled them from the city, and re-estab- 
lished the popular government. 

23. About three years after this event, the great 
philosopher Socrates, being unjustly accused of cor- 
rupting the youth of Athens, was condemned by the 
Assembly of Athens to die by poison. The fate of 
Socrates forms one of the most affecting and interest- 
ing episodes in Grecian history. He submitted to 
his sentence with great calmness and fortitude ; and 
having drunk the poison, died with signal composure, 
in the 70th year of his age. 400 B, C. 

24, The natural consequences of the destructive 
intestine warfare which characterized Greece, after 
the peace with Persia, were soon developed. A spirit 
of rancour and hatred pervaded the States, and the 
union and concord, which had rendered them so 
glorious and powerful, became completely lost in 
their vindictive collisions. Athens, humbled, sub- 
dued, and dispirited, languished and declined in an 
inglorious luxury ; and Sparta, inflated with her suc- 

T 

Questions, — 23, What happened about three years after 
this event ? 24. What was the fate of Greece after the peace 
with Persia ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 4:7 

cesses, began to evince a most insolent and domineer- 
ing spirit towards her neighbom-s. 

25. Thebes, at this time, commenced to figm-e in 
the affairs of Greece ; and the Spartans, wishing to 
cnish its rising power, seized upon the Theban citadel. 
A sanguinary war between Thebes and Sparta was 
the consequence. Epaminondas, the leader of the 
Theban armies, defeated the Spartans at the cele- 
brated battle of Leuctra ; and eight years after still 
further humbled their power, by completely routing 
them at the battle of Mantinea B. C. 363. Epa- 
minondas was, however, slain in that battle, and 
Thebes, which owed to him all its glory, rapidly 
decHned after his death. 

26. After the battle of Mantinea, peace was re- 
stored among the States ; but their suicidal course 
had produced its effects. Weakened, exhausted, and 
degenerated in spirit, Greece was an open and an easy 
prey for the hardy and warlike power which at that 
time had fixed its ambitious gaze upon her. 

Questions.— 25. What is said of Thebes at this time ? What 
produced the war between Thebes and Sparta ? What is said 
of Epaminondas ? 26. What was the condition of Greece 
after the battle of Mantinea ? 



48 HISTORY ANCIENT. 



SECTION III. 

From, the Battle of Mantinea, B. O. 363, to the Subjugation 
of Greece hy the Romans, B. C. 146. 

1. Nothing very important occurs in the history 
of Greece after the peace which succeeded the battle 
of Mantinea, until the appearance of Philip, King of 
Macedon. This wily and sagacious monarch, noti- 
cing the fallen condition of the States, formed the 
ambitious design of bringing the whole of Greece 
under his dominion. 

2. The kingdom of Macedon was founded 807 
years B. C, by Caranus, an Argive by birth, and a 
descendant of Hercules. Although this kingdom had 
existed, as such, for the space of 447 years, it had 
not risen to any importance. It was not until 360 
B. C, when the reins of government fell into the 
hands of the warlike Phihp, that Macedonia com- 
menced to take a bold stand among the nations. 

3. The Macedonian empire, which was commenced 
by Philip and completed by his son, Alexander the 
Great, was the third great empire of antiquity. It 
is also called the Grecian empire, because Greece, 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the history of Greece after the 
peace of Mantinea ? 2. When, and by whom, was the king- 
dom of Macedon founded, and what is said of it ? 3. What is 
Baid of the Macedonian empire ? 



HISTORY — ANCIENT. 49 

strictly speaking, included Macedonia, and because 
all Greece became subject to Philip and Alexander. 

4. Philip commenced his designs against the lib- 
erties of Greece by sowing dissensions among the in- 
habitants. The people of Phocis claimed the right 
to cultivate a tract of land called the Cirrheean Plain, 
which several other States maintained had long been 
consecrated to Apollo. The Amphyctionic Council 
decreed that the Phocians should cease to use the 
sacred domain, under severe penalties. The Phocians 
having resisted this decree, a contest arose, called 
the Sacred War, in which nearly all the Grecian 
States took a part. 

5. In the midst of this war, which lasted ten years, 
Philip proposed to act as arbitrator ; and, having se- 
cured for himself a seat in the Amphyctionic Coun- 
cil, concluded the war. 

6. At this time, the great Grecian orator, Demos- 
thenes, penetrating the designs of Philip, roused the 
people of Athens to a sense of their danger : but the 
snare had been already laid. The Locaians having 
trespassed on the ground consecrated to the Del- 
phian Apollo, and refused to obey the decree of the 
Amphyctions, a second Sacred War ensued, in which 
Philip was invited to participate. 

Y. Phihp immediately invaded Phocis, the key to 

Questions. — 4. How did Philip commence his designs? 
What produced the first Sacred War? 5. How did Phihp 
take advantage of this war ? 6. What is said of Demosthenes, 
and what produced the second Sacred War ? 
5 



50 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

the territoiy of Attica. Demosthenes, with the true 
spirit of a patriot, and with burning and resistless 
eloquence, Avhich even to this day has never been sur- 
passed, exposed the artful designs of the invader, and 
roused his countrymen to a last and vigorous effort 
for the preservation of their liberties. The effort was 
vain. The fate of Greece was decided at the battle 
of Cheronsea, which, resulting in favour of Philip, sub- 
jected all the States to the dominion of Macedon. 
B.C. 338. 

8. Phihp, having made a prudent use of his vic- 
tory, and in a great measure conciliated the Greeks, 
by suffering them to retain the shadow of their for- 
mer government, now meditated the conquest of Per- 
sia, and caused himself to be elected for this purpose 
by a Council of the States, generalissimo of the Gre- 
cian armies ; but, at the very time when he was pre- 
paring to carry out this design, he was killed by a 
captain of his guards. 

9. Philip was succeeded by his son Alexander, 
surnamed the Great, who had been educated by the 
celebrated Grecian philosopher, Aristotle, and as- 
cended the throne at the age of twenty years. The 
young monarch determined to follow the glorious 
path marked out by his father ; and having quelled 

Questions. — 7. How did Philip take advantage of this war ? 
What was the result of the war ? 8. What did Philip next 
meditate, and how did he proceed? What interrupted his 
designs? 9. Who succeeded Philip? What is said of Alex- 
ander ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 51 

an insurrection, which the fiery eloquence of Demos- 
thenes had aroused against him among the Greeks, 
and destroyed the noble city of Thebes, he convoked 
a General Council of the States at Corinth ; renewed 
the proposal of invading and conquering Persia, and 
was appointed, as his father had been, generalissimo 
of the Greeks. 

10. Having assembled an army of 30,000 foot and 
5000 horse, Alexander, with provisions only for a 
single month, crossed the Hellespont, and with these 
slender means commenced the conquest of the Per- 
sian empire. 

11. Darius Codomanus, the Persian king, thinking 
to crush the " Mad Boy of Macedon" at the outset of 
his career, met Alexander on the banks of the river 
Granicus with an army of 120,000 men. Here a 
jrreat battle was fousfht, in which the Persians were 
routed with severe loss. 

12. This victory was important in its consequences, 
as it placed Alexander in possession of the rich city 
of Sardis, and gave him the key to many other valu- 
able acquisitions. He soon after took Miletus, Hali- 
carnassus, and other considerable cities. 

13. The next important event in this war was the 
battle of Issus, fought in the ensuing spring. The 
Persian army, stated at 600,000 men, was defeated 

Questions. — 10. How did Alexander commence liis expedi- 
tion against Persia? 11. What is said of Darius Codomanus? 
12. "VVliat were the consequences of the battle of the Grani- 
cus ? 13. What was the next important event ? 



52 HISTORY — ^ANCIENT. 

by Alexander with great slaughter. The engage- 
ment took place in a narrow defile, where only a small 
portion of the Persian host could be brought into ac- 
tion. The mother, wife, and daughter of the Per- 
sian monarch fell into the hands of Alexander, who 
treated them with great consideration and kindness. 

14. Alexander next proceeded to the rich com- 
mercial city of Tyre, which, after a siege of seven 
months, he reduced to submission. Thence, having 
invested and taken the city of Gaza, he proceeded to 
Egypt, which ever since the time of Cambyses the 
Younger had been subject to Persia. It submitted 
without opposition to the authority of the Conqueror, 
who while there founded the famous city of Alexan- 
dria, at the mouth of the Nile. 

15. Returning from Egypt, Alexander, at the head 
of about 50,000 men, crossed the Euphrates, and met 
Darius near the town of Arbela, commanding a force 
which is said to have amounted to about '700,000 
men. Here a tremendous battle was fought, in which 
the Persians were again utterly defeated, with a loss 
of about 300,000 men. 

16. The battle of Arbela decided the fate of the 
Persian empire, which now submitted to the con- 
queror. The unfortunate Darius was soon after mur- 
dered by one of his nobles. 330 B. C. 



Questions. — 14. What were the subsequent actions of Alex- 
ander ? 15. What happened on his return from Egypt? 16. 
What was the consequence of the battle of Arbela 1 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 63 

1*7. Alexander having thus completed the conquest 
of Assp-ia, Persia, Media, and Egypt, crossed the 
mountains of Caucasus, entered Hyrcania, and con- 
quered all the nations south of the Oxus. Thence he 
crossed Asia, Bactriana, and Sogdiana, where he put 
to death the perfidious murderer of Parius. The same 
year he crossed the Jaxartes, and defeated the Mas- 
sa^etae and other barbarians. He then returned to 
Macanda, the capital of Sogdiana, where, in a fit of 
intoxication, he killed Clytus, a veteran soldier who 
had saved his life on the Granicus. B. C. 328. 

18. Alexander now resolved on an expedition to 
India, and penetrated beyond the Ilydaspes, a branch 
of the river Indus, where he conquered Porus, a king 
of the country, who opposed his progress. Continu- 
ing: his course eastward, he arrived on the banks of 
the Ganges, where his soldiers, terrified at the vast 
tracts of unknown and frequently desert country which 
they had already past, and others which still lay be- 
fore them, revolted and refused to go further. Alex- 
ander was constrained to desist. He then pursued 
a southern course by the Indus, until he arrived at 
its mouth ; whence he despatched his fleet round to 
the Persian Gulf, under the command of ISTearchus. 

19. Alexander then resolved to return, and marched 
to Babylon, where he gave himself up to such intem- 

QuESTioNS. — lY. What were the subsequent actions of Alexan- 
der? 18. What was the next resolution of Alexander, and 
how did he undertake to perform it ? What prevented its 
complete performance ? 19. What did Alexander next do ? 
5* 



54: HLSTOEY ANCIENT. 

perate excesses, that his life was suddenly shortened. 
He died in the midst of the wildest dreams of ambi- 
tion, in the 33d year of his age. B. C. 323. 

20. No hmnan character occupies a more prom- 
inent position in history than that of Alexander. He 
was endowed with great military talents, and might 
have been distinguished as a statesman. Though 
brave, romantic, generous, and amiable in his dispo- 
sition, his extraordinary and rapid successes, inflam- 
ing his vanity and ambition, perverted his character, 
and hurried him on in a wild and reckless career, 
which brought him to an untimely grave, without 
benefit to mankind, and left no title to his surname 
of Great save the monuments of his brilliant and 
bloody conquests. 

21. Alexander named no successors to the vast 
empire he had conquered ; and his death was followed 
by various intrigues, massacres, and wars, which in 
twelve years resulted in the total extirpation of his 
family, and a partition of his empire among four of 
his generals, who, in consequence, became the rulers 
of four new monarchies. B. C. 312. 

22. These four generals were Ptolemy Lagus, Cas- 
sander, Lysimachus, and Seleucus. To Ptolemy 
were assigned Egypt, Lybia, Arabia, and Palestine : 
to Cassander, Macedonia and Greece: to Lysim- 

Qdestions. — How, and when, did he die ? 20. What is said 
of the character of Alexander? 21. What happened after 
Alexander's death ? 22. Who were the four generals who 
divided the empire, and what portions were assigned to each ? 



HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 65 

achus, Bythnia and Thrace ; and to Seleiicus the re- 
mainino- territories in Asia, as far as the river Indus, 
which were called the kingdom of Syria. 

23. The kingdom of Egypt, as we have seen, be- 
came prosperous under the reign of the first Ptole- 
mies, in whose family it remained for nearly 300 
years, until the time of Cleopatra, when it became a 
province of the Roman empire. The kingdom of 
Macedonia continued until the battle of Pydna, when 
the Macedonians, under their king, Perseus, were 
defeated, and subdued by the Romans. B. C. 16*7. 
The kingdom of Thrace and Bythnia was short-lived ; 
Lysimachus, its first sovereign, being defeated by 
Seleucus, about twenty-two years after its founda- 
tion. The kingdom of Syria, comprising the greater 
part of Alexander's conquests in Asia, was the most 
powerful of the four great monarchies. It continued 
under the rule of Seleucus and his descendants, 
styled the Seleucidae, until it was conquered by the 
Romans under Pompey. B. C. 64. 

24. The news of Alexander's death aroused the 
Greeks, under the stirring eloquence of Demosthenes, 
to a last exertion to regain their independence. But 
they were defeated by Antipater, the Macedonian ; 
and Demosthenes ended his life by poison. From 
this period to their conquest by the Romans, the his- 
tory of the States of Greece is characterized by tur- 



QuESTioNs. — 23. What is said of these four kingdoms ? 24. 
"What was the effect of Alexander's death on the Greeks ? 



66 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

bulence, degeneracy, revolutions, and ineffectual 
struggles for freedom. 

25. The last effort made for maintaining the lib- 
erty and independence of G-reece, was the establish- 
ment of a confederacy called the Achaean League, 
which, at first formed by twelve small cities of Pelo- 
ponnesus, afterwards embraced most of the Grecian 
States. 

26, The Romans, however, who had now com- 
menced to lead in the affairs of the world, jealous of 
the power of the Achsean League, sought to weaken 
it by creating divisions among the States. Sparta, 
at length, in a contest with the League, besought the 
aid of the Romans, who, under the command of Me- 
tellus, advanced with their victorious legions into 
Greece, and gained a decisive victory over the Achaean 
army. The remainder of the Achaean forces having 
shut themselves up in Corinth, Mummius, the Roman 
Consul, took and destroyed the city, thus completing 
the conquest. The constitution of the League was 
soon after annulled, and the whole of Greece was re- 
duced to a Roman province, under the name of Achaia. 
B.C. 146. 



Questions. — 25. What was the last effort of Greece to main- 
tain her liberty ? 26. What was the policy of the Eonians, 
and in what did it result? What coftipleted the conquest of 
Greece ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 67 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ROME. 

1. By reference to the former chapters, it will be 
perceived that all the countries and kingdoms of which 
we have spoken, met, though at different periods, 
within a century a common fate — that of being sub- 
jected to the power of the Romans. We, therefore, 
naturally turn next to the history of the sublime and 
imposing career of that wonderful people, who, start- 
ing from a few rude huts on the banks of the Tyber, 
and advancing gradually and steadily in the road to 
greatness, at length planted their victorious standards 
in every clime, and overshadowed the then known 
world with the magnitude of their power. 

2. The Roman empire was the last and much the 
most powerful and enduring of the four great empires 
of antiquity. Its history, from its insignificant be- 
ginning and through its glorious and gigantic prog- 
ress and rapid decline, to its disastrous tennination, 
is fruitful in great events and illustrious personages, 
and has exerted a powerful influence over the history 
of every subsequent age. 

3. The ancient history of Rome may be divided 

Questions. — 1. What appears from former chapters, and what 
history is next referred to ? 2. What is said of the Eoman 
empire ? 3. How may the history of Kome be divided ? 



58 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

into three parts: — 1st. From the foundation of the 
city, 753 B. C, to the expulsion of the kings, 509 
B. C. ; 2d. From the expulsion of the kings, 509 
B. C, to the end of the Repubhc, 31 B. C. ; 3d. 
From the end of the Republic, 31 B. C, to the sub- 
version of the Western Empire, A. C. 476. 



SECTION I. 

From the Foundation of the Citrj, 753 B. C, to the Expulsion 
of the Kings, 509 B. C. 

1. Rome took its name from its founder, Romulus ; 
who, we are told by the Roman poets, was descended 
from ^neas, a Trojan prince, through a line of fif- 
teen kings of Latium, in Italy. He and his twin 
brother, Remus, were in their infancy exposed to 
perish on account of their mother ; but having been 
preserved in a remarkable manner, spent their youth 
in hardy though obscure pursuits. Grown to man- 
hood, they determined to build a city ; and collect- 
ing a band of adventurers, commenced the work. 
An altercation soon took place between Romulus and 
Remus, in which the latter was slain by his brother, 
who proceeded with the building of the city, Avhich 
he called from his own name. 



Question. — 1. From what did Kome derive its name, and 
how was it founded ? 



HISTORY— ANCIENT. 59 

2. Romulus, having been elected king by his rude 
and lawless band, soon introduced order and disci- 
pline among them. He increased the number of 
inhabitants by making the city an asylum for outlaws 
and fugitives, and by a stratagem which enabled his 
subjects to seize and carry off the Sabine women for 
wives. He divided the people into two classes — the 
Patricians, or nobles, and the Plebeians, or common 
people. He also established a Senate of 100 mem- 
bers : afterwards increased to 300. 

3. The second king of Rome was Numa Pompil- 
ius, a Sabine. He is described as a useful, virtuous, 
and pacific ruler — cherishing among his people the 
arts of peace, obedience to the laws, and respect for 
religion. He built the celebrated Temple of Janus, 
which was opened during war, and closed during 
peace. 

4. The third king was TuUus Hostilius. He was 
of a warlike disposition. During his reign the Ro- 
mans became masters of the neighbouring kingdom of 
Alba. 

5. The fourth king was Ancus Martius, the grand- 
son of Numa Pompilius. He conquered the Latins, 
and built the port of Ostia, at the mouth of the 
Tyber. 

6. The fifth king was Tarquinius Priscus, or Tar- 

QuESTioNs.— 2. What is said ofEomulus? 8. Who was the 
second king? What was his character? 4. Who was the 
third king ? His character ? 6. Wlio was the fourth king ? 
6. Who was the fifth king ? What is said of Mm ? 



60 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

quin the Elder. He greatly embellished the city by 
erecting works of utility and magnificence. 

v. The sixth king was Servius Tullius. He estab- 
lished the Census, by which, at the end of every 
fifth year, the number of the citizens, their dwellings, 
number of children, and amount of property were 
ascertained. 

8. The seventh and last king of Rome was Tar- 
quinius Superbus (Tarquin the Proud). His reign, 
from the commencement, was one of remorseless 
tyranny. All classes of his subjects became exas- 
perated, and needed only an exciting occasion, and a 
bold leader, to sweep him from the throne. These 
were soon supplied. The infamous son of Tarquin 
having committed a most atrocious crime, and Bru- 
tus and Collatinus having in consequence aroused 
the long-slumbering vengeance of the citizens, Tar- 
quin and his family were banished, and the kingly 
government was overthrown and abolished. B. C. 
509. 

Questions. — 7. Who was the sixth king ? What is said of 
him ? 8. Who was the seventh and last king ? What is said 
of his reign ? What terminated the kingiy government ? 



HISTORY — ^ANCIENT. 61 



SECTION II. 

From the Expulsion of the Kings, B. C. 509, to the First 
Punic War, B. C. 264. 

1. The kingly government having been thus de- 
stroyed, a Republic was established in its stead, at 
the head of which were two magistrates, styled Con- 
suls, who were annually elected by the people from 
among the Patricians. The first Consuls were Brutus 
and Collatinus, by whose exertions the tyranny of 
the Tarquins had been overthrown. 

2. The new government, however, had to struggle 
through great perils. Tarquin, having prevailed on 
some neighbouring cities to espouse his cause, was in 
the field with a formidable force ; and a conspiracy 
within the city was on foot, and ripe for execution — 
the object of which was to open the gates for the 
return of the banished king. This conspiracy was 
discovered and crushed. The two sons of Brutus 
were convicted of a participation in the foul treason, 
and were condemned to death by their own father, 
who sternly witnessed their execution. 

3. During thirteen years after the expulsion of 
Tarquin, the Romans were involved in wars on his 
account. They, however, finally triumphed over all 

Questions. — 1. What happened after the expulsion of the 
king ? 2. With what had the new government to struggle ? 
8. What continued during thirteen years ? 
6 



6S HISTORY — ANCIENT. 

their enemies. The sons of Tarquin ha\ang been 
slain, peace was restored. 

4. After this, Rome was greatly disturbed by con- 
tests between the patricians and plebeians. The 
latter, feeling themselves oppressed, resolved to aban- 
don the city, and removed to a place called Mons 
Sacer, in the neighbourhood. A reconciliation, how- 
ever, was brought about by a compromise between 
the two classes. The debts of the plebeians were re- 
mitted, and they were permitted to choose annually 
from among themselves magistrates styled Tribunes, 
who should have the power to annul by a single veto 
every measure Avhich they should deem injurious to 
their interest. The number of these magistrates was 
at first five, afterwards increased to ten. 

5. The estabhshment of the Tribunes greatly in- 
creased the weight and importance of the plebeians ; 
and in time their influence so preponderated over 
that of the patricians, that a law was passed called 
the law of Volero, which, in effect, took the supreme 
authority from the latter, and placed it in the hands 
of the plebeians, and the Roman government became 
a democracy. 

6. The Romans had hitherto possessed no ^vritten 
code of laws : and the continued dissensions, difficul- 



QtjESTioNs. — 4. What disturbed Eome- after this period? 
What was the result of these disturbances ? 5. What was the 
effect of the establishment of Tribunes ? 6. What is said of 
the Eoman laws up to this time ? How did they propose to 
remedy the defect ? 



HISTORY — ^ANCIENT. Od 

ties, and oppressions which resulted from their crude 
and undigested regulations, induced them to send 
three commissioners to Greece, for the purpose of 
procuring the laws of Solon, and such others as might 
be useful in forming a suitable code. B. C. 454. 

1. Upon the return of the commissioners, ten of 
the principal senators, called Decemvirs, were ap- 
pointed to digest a body of laws, and put them in 
execution for one year. The result of this regulation 
was the celebrated body of laws known as the Laws 
of the Twelve Tables, which continued in force and 
high authority during the most glorious times of the 
republic. 

8. The Decemviri, who were invested with abso- 
lute power, governed during the year for which they 
Avere appointed with great equity and moderation. 
This rendered them so popular, that they obtained a 
new appointment. But they soon became overbear- 
ing and tyrannical ; and Appius Claudius, one of 
their number, having abused his power by the com- 
mission of most flagrant outrages, the people indig- 
nantly expelled them from then- office, and the Con- 
suls were restored. 

9. The contests between the patricians and ple- 
beians, however, still continued, and the latter con- 

QuESTiON3. — 7. What was done on the return of the Com- 
missioners ? What was the result of this legislation ? 8. What 
is said of the Decemviri ? What terminated their office ? 9. 
What is said of the contests between the patricians and ple- 
beians ? 



64 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

stantly prevailed over the former. A law which ex- 
isted, prohibiting intermarriages between the two 
orders, was, after a long contest, repealed. Em- 
boldened by this success, the plebeians next demanded 
a share in the Consulship, and determined to enforce 
their demand by refusing, on the occurrence of war, 
to enhst in the service of the State. The result was 
an agreement on both sides, that, instead of Consuls, 
six Mihtary Tribunes, with the power of Consuls, 
should be chosen, three of them from the patricians 
and three from the plebeians. The Consuls, how- 
ever, were restored some time after. 

10. These frequent disorders gave rise to two im- 
portant regulations : first, the appointment of two 
officers styled Censors, who, in addition to the regu- 
lar enumeration of the citizens every five years, in- 
spected the morals, remedied the wants, and regu- 
lated the duties of the people ; and, secondly, in or- 
der to avoid the evils arising from the people fre- 
quently refusing to enlist, the establishment of a reg- 
ular pay to the troops. From this regulation may 
be dated the commencement of the brilliant train of 
successes which attended the Roman arms. The 
Senate always found soldiers at command ; the army 
was under its control ; the enterprises of the State 
became more extensive, and its success more signal 
and important. 

11. The Gauls, a warlike and barbarous people. 

Question. — 10. To what did these contests give rise ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 65 

having penetrated into the north of Italy, and be- 
sieged Clusium, a city of Etruria, the inhabitants be- 
sought the aid of the Romans. The Senate having 
listened favourably to this call, and sent ambassadors 
who assisted the inhabitants of Clusium, Brennus, 
the king and leader of the Gauls, immediately 
marched against Rome. Having defeated the Roman 
army, near the river Allia, the Gauls entered Rome, 
which they pillaged and burnt. 385 B. C. 

12. The capitol, or citadel, alone remained in the 
possession of the Romans. This, Brennus resolved to 
take also ; but whilst engaged in the imdertaking, 
Camillas, the Roman general, who in this emergency 
had been appointed Dictator, appeared with a large 
army, and, attacking the barbarians, routed them 
with great slaughter. The city being freed from this 
formidable foe, soon began to rise from its ashes. 

13. The Romans next turned their arms against 
the Samnites, a people living in the southern part of 
Italy. This war, which lasted upwards of fifty years, 
was bravely contested by the Samnites ; but the Ro- 
mans finally triumphed, and the country was subju- 
gated. 

14. The Tarentines, who had been the alhes of the 
Samnites, soon felt the growing power of the Ro- 

QuESTioNs. — 11. What is said of the Gauls ? How came they 
to march against Eome? What liappened? 12. What re- 
mained in possession of the Komans ? Wliat was the reso- 
lution of Brennus ? Wiiat tluvarted him ? 13. Wliere did 
the Komans next turn their arms ? What was the result ? 
6* 



66 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

mans, and in their alarm besought the aid of Pyrrhus, 
King of Epirus, one of the most renowned and skil- 
ful generals of the age. Pyrrhus landed at Taren- 
tum with a large army. The contest was long and 
severe, but the perseverance and heroism of the Ro- 
mans at length prevailed. Pyrrhus was defeated and 
forced to retire to his own dominions ; and the Ta- 
rentines being reduced to subjection, the Romans 
became masters of all Southern Italy. B. C. 266. 



SECTION III. 

Frmn the First Punic War, B. C. 264, to the First Trium- 
virate, B. C. 60. 

1. The Romans having now extended their sway 
over Southern Italy, fixed their eyes upon Sicily, a 
considerable island immediately to the south of their 
new conquests. The chief city of this island, Syra- 
cuse, which was founded by the Corinthians, was at 
this time one of the most populous and commercial 
cities of the world, and was governed by a king ; or, 
as he was styled, tyrant. Hiero, tyrant of Syracuse, 
being engaged in a war with the Mamertines, whose 
cause had been espoused by the Romans, was as- 

QuESTioNS. — 14. What is said of the Tarentines ? What is 
said of this contest ? 1. What is said of the Komans after the 
conquest of Southern Italy ? What produced the first Punio 
War? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 6T 

sisted by ttie Carthagenians. This assistance pro- 
duced a war between Carthage and Rome, which is 
styled the first Punic War, 

2. Carthage was a city situated on the northern 
coast of Africa, a httle to the southwest of Sicily. 
It was founded by Dido, a Phoenician princess, about 
869 B, C. At the commencement of the first Punic 
War, it had become, by means of its extensive com- 
merce, a most wealthy and powerful city. Its gov- 
ernment was republican, and it had under its dominion 
300 smaller towns bordering on the Mediteri'anean, 
a great . part of Spain, also of Sicily, and other 
islands. The city possessed a population of '700,000 
inhabitants. 

3. The Romans were ill prepared, at the commence- 
ment of the first Punic War, to contend with a mari- 
time power such as Carthage. The latter possessed 
a powerful fleet, manned by experienced seamen ; 
whilst the Romans, having paid no attention to mari- 
time affairs, were totally destitute of these requisites 
for a naval warfare. Their indomitable enterprise, 
however, triumphed over every obstacle. A Car- 
thagenian vessel having been driven on their shores, 
furnished them a model ; and in a short time the first 
Roman fleet, of more than one hundred vessels, en- 
gaged the Carthagenians on their own element, and 

Questions. — 2. What is said of Carthage ? 3. "What is said 
of the Komans aud Carthagenians ? How did the Komans 
supply theii' want of vessels ? What followed ? 



68 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

obtained a complete victory. Agrigentum, in Sicily, 
soon after fell into the hands of the Romans ; and 
the Roman fleet, having been increased to about 300 
galleys, gained a second great naval victory over the 
Carthaorenians. 

o 

4. The Carthagenians now sued for peace, but in 
vain. Reofulus, the Roman Consul, landed with an 
army on the coast of Africa, and, defeating the Car- 
thagenians, appeared before their capital. Here, 
however, he was defeated by the Carthagenian army, 
under Xanthippus, a Spartan, and taken prisoner. 
He was afterwards cruelly put to death. 

5. The war continued to rage during several years, 
with various success; but it finally terminated un- 
favourably to the Carthagenians, who were forced to 
accept humiliating terms of peace, and to give up all 
their possessions in Sicily to the Romans. 241 B. C. 

6. A peace of twenty -three years ensued. At the 
end of that period, Hannibal, the Carthagenian, one 
of the greatest generals of antiquity, laid siege to the 
city of Saguntum, in Spain, which was in alliance 
with the Romans. This produced the second Pmiic 
War. 

1. Hannibal, having taken Saguntum, led his army 
across the Pyrenees and the Alps, and poured his 
forces into Italy. He gained four great victories over 

Questions, — 4. What did the Carthagenians now do ? What 
is said of Eeguhis ? 5. How did the war tenninate ? 6. What 
ensued, and what took place after ? 7. What is said of Hanni- 
bal ? What is said of tiie defeat at Cannaa ? 



HISTOllY xVNCIK^^T. 69 

the Romans : — the first, near the Ticinas ; the second, 
near the Trebia ; the third, near the lake Thrasyme- 
nus; and the fourth, at Cannae. The defeat at 
Cannae was the most memorable the Romans ever 
sustained: more than 40,000 of their troops were 
left dead on the field. 

8. Hannibal, after these great \'ictories, was held 
in cheek by the Romans, under Fabius and Marcel- 
lus, who o-ained various advantages over tlie Cartha- 
genians in Italy and Sicily. At length, Scipio, sur- 
named Africanus, an enterprising Roman general, 
having conquered Spain, " carried the war into 
Africa," and appeared with his victorious legions be- 
fore the walls of Carthage. In this emergency, 
Hannibal was recalled from Italy, and obliged to 
abandon all the advantages he had gained. With a 
large army he met the Romans, under Scipio, on the 
field of Zama, where a great battle was fought, and 
the Carthagenians were totally defeated. 

9. A peace soon followed, on conditions most 
humiliating to the Carthagenians, They were com- 
pelled to abandon all their possessions in Spain and 
the Mediterranean, surrender nearly the whole of 
their fleet, and, in future, undertake no war without 
the consent of the Romans. B. C. 203. 



Questions. — 8. What happened after these victories ? What 
is said of Scipio Africanus? What was the consequence of 
his appearance in Africa? 9. What was the consequence of 
the battle of Zama ? 



70 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

10. During their hostilities with Carthage, tlie 
Romans prosecuted the first Macedonian War, which 
ended in the defeat of PhiUp, at Cynocephale. Sub- 
sequently, a Roman army, under Scipio, surnamed 
Asiaticus, invaded Syria, and defeated Antiochus the 
Great, in the battle of Magnesia. The second Mace- 
donian War followed, which terminated at the battle 
of Pydna in the defeat of Perseus, the last king of 
Macedonia, and the reduction of that country to a 
Roman province. B. C. 168. 

11. About fifty years after the conclusion of the 
second Punic War, the Carthagenians having at- 
tempted to repel an invasion of the Numidians, the 
Romans, pretending that this was a violation of the 
treaty, made it the ground of the third Punic War, 
with the express design of effecting the entire de- 
struction of Carthage. 

12. The Carthagenians in vain offered every submis- 
sion. All their overtures were rejected. At length, 
driven to despair, they bravely resisted the power of 
their enemies for three years, when their noble city 
was taken by the Roman general, and, being set on 
fire, was burnt to the ground. B. C. 146. So com- 
plete was the destruction, that scarce a vestige re- 
mains to tell where that splendid city stood. 

Questions. — 10. What wars were conducted by the Komans 
durmg their hostilities with. Carthage? 11. What happened 
about fifty years after the second Punic War? 12, What 
was the conduct of the Carthagenians, and tlie result of the 
war? 



HISTORY — ANCIENT. 71 

13. The same year, in which this barbarous trans- 
action took place, was signahzed by the taking of 
Corinth, and the reduction of Greece to a Roman 
province, 

14. At this period the Romans were not distin- 
guished as a hterary people, and the arts and sciences 
had received among them but little encouragement. 
Their character had been remarkable for little more 
than temperance, simplicity, severity of manners, and 
militaiy enterprise. Now, however, laden with the 
rich spoils of their wide-spread conquests, and concen- 
tratino^ amonjr themselves the wealth, learnino;, and 
intelligence of their subjugated dependencies — among 
which G-reece stood brilliantly pre-eminent — the 
Roman people began to acquire a taste for literature, 
art, and science, which in time ripened to luxuriant 
maturity. 

15. The Romans having, as we have seen, anni- 
hilated their nearest and most powerful rivals, and 
having now no foreign object to excite apprehension, 
the fiery and ambitious temperament, which had be- 
come a national characteristic, found vent once more 
in domestic turaioil and dissension. The old strug- 
gles between the patricians and plebeians recom- 
menced. 

QuESTioxs. — 13. "What happened the same year in which 
Carthage was destroyed ? 14, What is said of the Eomans 
up to tliis period ? What change took place in tlieir character 
from this period ? 15, What is said of the Eomans after hav- 
ing subdued their rivals ? 



72 HISTOEY ^ANCIENT. 

16. Tiberius and Caius Gracchus, brothers, kno-wn 
in history as the Gracchi, were men of singular elo- 
quence, and of great influence among the people, 
Tiberius, the elder, by his bold endeavours to check 
the increasing power of the patricians, created a 
tumult, in which he and 300 of his friends perished 
in the Forum, Caius followed the course taken by 
his brother, and, like him, having fomented a sedition, 
and arrayed the masses of the people against the 
constituted authorities, fell, with 3000 of his par- 
tisans, a victim to his zeal and temerity, B, C. 121. 

17. About ten years after this event, the celebrated 
war waged by the Romans against Jugurtha com- 
menced. Jugurtha, by the foul murder of his 
cousins, had usurped the crown of Numidia, in viola- 
tion of the terms upon which the government of that 
kingdom had been previously settled by the Roman 
Senate, as arbitrators between the usurper and one 
of his cousins. This called down upon him the ven- 
geance of Rome. Jugurtha was defeated by the 
Romans, under Caius Marius, taken prisoner, and 
carried in chains to Rome. B. C. 106. 

18. A few years after this, a war was commenced 
aojainst Mithridates, Kins^ of Pontus, who had formed 
the design of uniting the Northern and Eastern na- 

QuESTioNs. — 16. What is said of Tiberius and Caius Grac- 
chus ? 17. What happened about ten years after ? What was 
the cause and result of the war ? 18. Wliat happened a few 
years after the war with Jugurtha? What is said of this con- 
test, and how was it terminated ? 



HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 73 

tions in a confederacy, for the purpose of breaking 
down the power of Rome. This celebrated contest, 
which lasted upwards of twenty years, was con- 
ducted on the part of Rome, at different periods, by 
the distinguished generals, Sylla, Lucullus, and Pom- 
pey. It Avas at length terminated by Pompey in the 
complete defeat of Mithridates. B. C. 66. 

19. Shortly after the commencement of the Mith- 
ridatic War, a most sanguinary civil war broke out 
between Marius and Sylla, which was productive 
of the most ruinous consequences. Upwards of 
150,000 Roman citizens perished in the unnatural 
and barbarous contest. 

20. These domestic dissensions, aided by the inju- 
rious influence of wealth and luxury, soon produced 
their natural results : disinterested patriotism and 
public virtue perceptibly declined, and venality, vice, 
and corruption commenced to spread with frightful 
rapidity. 

21. One of the fruits of this mournful change 
was the infamous conspiracy of Catiline, who, at the 
head of his profligate and treasonable associates, 
meditated the fiendish design of totally destroying 
the city of Rome by fire, and massacreing all the 
senators. Fortunately, his diabolical purpose was 

Questions. — 19. What occurred shortly after tlie commence- 
ment of the Mithridatic War ? 20. What was the eifect of 
these domestic dissensions? 21. What was one of the fruits 
of this change in tlie Roman diameter? By wliom was Cati- 
line thwarted, and what was his fate ? 

7 



74: HISTORY ANCIENT. 

detected and crushed by the vigilance and energy of 
Cicero, the great Roman orator. Catihne, at the 
head of 12,000 men, was defeated and slain, and his 
army cut to pieces. B. C. 62. 



SECTION IV. 

From the Formation of the First Triumvirate, B. C. 60, to 
the Battle of Actium, B. C. 31. 

1. At this period, the three most powerful men 
in Rome were Pompey, Crassus, and Julius Csesar. 
Pompey, after having defeated Mithridates, and 
reduced Syria, together with Judaea, to a Roman 
province, had returned to Rome, honoured with a 
triumph and greeted with the warmest evidences of 
favour. Crassus was distinguished for his enormous 
wealth and great popularity; and Caesar, by his 
talents and military actions, had won for himself an 
enviable reputation among his countrymen. 

2. These three personages formed the design of 
appropriating to themselves the power and command 
of the empire, and formed the celebrated league 
called the First Triumvirate. They distributed among 
themselves the government of the foreign provinces. 

Questions.— 1. Who were the three most powerful men 
at this period ? What is said of them ? 2. What design did 
they form 2 How did they distribute the provinces ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 75 

Pompey received Syria and Africa, and remained at 
home ; Crassus cliose Syria ; and Caesar, Gaul. 

3. Crassus was shortly after killed in a war against 
the Parthians ; and Caesar, proceeding to Gaul, com- 
menced a splendid career of victory, which, during 
eight campaigns, constantly attended his arms, and 
made him master of all that portion of Europe. 

4. Pompey, becoming jealous of the growing fame 
of his great rival, determined to check his career; 
and the term of Caesar's government being about to 
expire, the Senate, at the instigation of Pompey, re- 
fused to renew it, and advised him to disband his 
forces. Caesar, penetrating the designs of Pompey, 
and finding his army devoted to his interests, deter- 
mined to resist the decree. A civil war was the 
consequence. 

5. Leading his troops across the Alps, Caesar 
reached the banks of the Rubicon, a small stream 
that marked the boundary of his command. The 
Senate had decreed it to be treason to pass that 
stream with an armed force. Caesar, however, cast- 
ing his whole fortune in the step, crossed the Rubi- 
con, and pressed towards Rome with his legions. 

6. Pompey, aroused to a sense of his danger, and 

Questions. — 3. What became of Crassus ? What is said of 
Csesar ? 4. What is said of Pompey ? What was done at his 
instigation ? Wiiat course did Caesar resolve on ? 5. To what 
place did Cassar lead his troops? What did he then do? 
6. What course did Pompey take ? What did Csesar do in the 
mean time ? 



fS HISTOKY ANCIENT. 

aware that he could not resist Cagsar m Rome, led 
such forces as he could command into Macedonia, 
where he took measures to increase his army. Caesar, 
in the mean time, having made himself master of 
Italy, entered Rome in triumph, amidst the acclama- 
tions of the people, and assumed at once the supreme 
power. 

7. He did not remain inactive. He shortly after 
passed over into Spain, where he defeated Pom- 
pey's heutenants, and brought the whole country 
under his control. Returning to Rome, he was 
received with enthusiasm, and created Dictator and 
Consul. 

8. Pompey had, by this time, collected a large 
army ; and Caesar, anxious to bring his antagonist to 
a decisive engagement, proceeded with his forces to 
Macedonia. The two armies met on the plains of 
Pharsalia, where an obstinate and tremendous battle 
was fought, ending in the utter defeat of Pompey. 
B. C. 48. 

9. Pompey, now completely prostrated, became a 
miserable fugitive ; and, accompanied by his wife and 
a few attendants, fled to Egypt, seeking protection 
from Ptolemy, king of that country, whose father he 
had befriended. But, just previous to his landing, 
he was basely murdered, and his body was thrown 
exposed upon the sea-shore. 

Questions. — 7. What next step did lie take? 8. What 
occurred afterwards ? 9. What became of Pompey ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 77 

10. Csesar, in the mean time, followed the ill-fated 
Pompey to Egypt. On his arrival there, the head 
of his great rival was presented to him. The sight, 
whilst it struck him with horrom-, called up the gen- 
erous feelings of his nature : he remembered with 
tears their former friendship, and honoured the virtues 
of his foe by the erection of a splendid monument to 
his memory. 

11. The throne of Egypt was at this time occupied 
hj Ptolemy and his sister, the celebrated Cleopatra, 
the latter of whom aspired to undivided authority. 
Caesar, whilst thei'e, becoming captivated by the 
charms of the beautiful queen, threw the weight of 
his power in her favour, and procured for her the 
object of her ambition. 

12. From Egypt Caesar was called into Asia 
Minor, in consequence of a revolt in the provinces 
there, headed by Pharnaces, the son of Mithridates. 
He met Pharnaces at Zela, conquered him with much 
ease, and so speedily suppressed the rebelhon, that, 
in his despatch to the Senate at Rome, he used only 
the words "Veni, vidi, vici," — "I came, I saw, I 
conquered." 

13. Csesar having returned to Rome, was soon 
called into Africa, where Cato and Scipio, adherents 

Questions. — 10. What is said of Csesar in the mean time? 
11. By whom was the throne of Egypt occupied at this time? 
"What did Csesar do whUst there ? 12. Whither did Csesar go 
from Egypt, and for wliat purpose ? 13. What hapj)ened after 
his retm'n from the expedition ? 
7* 



78 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

of Pompey's party, had collected a large force against 
him. He met his opponents ; and, in the battle of 
Thapsns, gained a complete victory over them. Cato 
soon after, in despair, killed himself to escape falling 
into the hands of his enemies. 

14. Returning again to Rome, Csesar celebrated 
a splendid triumph ; intoxicated the people with 
pompous shows and magnificent feasts, and gained 
the affections of his fellow-citizens and the soldiery 
by his munificent liberality and rich rewards. In 
return for this, so popular had he become, that the 
people cheerfully yielded up their liberties ; hailed 
him Father of his Country, and made him perpetual 
Dictator. 

15. Standing thus without a rival, and invested 
with supreme power, Csesar was far from abusing 
his authority. He devoted his attention to the pros- 
perity and happiness of the people ; administered 
the government in the most equable and beneficent 
manner, and proved that he was no less a statesman 
than a warriour. 

16. It having been rumoured, however, that he 
aspired to the title of king, and that he would assume 
it on a certain day, a conspiracy was formed against 
him, composed of sixty senators, headed by Brutus 
and Cassius. On the day alluded to, the conspira- 



QuESTioNS. — 14. W.hat happened when Cassar again returned 
to Eome ? 15. What is said of Ctesar at this period ? 16. 
What is the account of Caesar's death ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 79 

tors attacked Caesar in the Senate-house with their 
daggers, and assassinated him. He fell, pierced with 
twenty- three wounds, in the 56th year of his age. 
B. C. 44. 

17. Julius Csesar, whose career was thus ended, 
was one of the most extraordinary men spoken of in 
history. As a warriour, a statesman, an orator, and 
an historian, he was pre-eminently distinguished. 
Rising, unaided, save by his own genius and indom- 
itable perseverance, from the ranks of private hfe, he 
won his way through a dazzling career of victory to 
the summit of political power ; and, in the end, stood 
the undisputed master of the civilized world. His 
faults were many. His vaulting ambition, and his 
criminal designs against the liberties of his country, 
have left a foul blot upon his fame ; but the clem- 
ency and moderation which, on all occasions, even 
when invested with supreme authority, characterized 
his actions, cannot be too much admired. His his- 
torical writings have never been excelled ; and at his 
death he left memorials of great and wise plans for 
the extension of the empire, and the legislation of the 
world, which prove the splendid endowments of his 
mind, and the lofty promptings of his ambition. 

18. The conspirators, in killing this great man, 
were far from preserving the hberties of Rome. In 
fact, Caesar yet lived in the hearts of his country- 



QuESTioNs. — 17. What is said of Julius Caesar and his 
character? 18. What happened after the death of Caesar? 



80 . HISTORY ANCIENT. 

men ; and when Mark Antony exposed his bleeding 
remains in the Forum, all his faults were forgotten. 
Nothing was remembered but his heroism, his mu- 
nificence, and his humanity. The dead and mangled 
body of CcBsar created a powerful convulsion. The 
indignant and infuriated people arose against the 
murderers, who, to avoid destruction, fled from the 
city. 

19. The government of the commonwealth shortly 
afterwards fell into the hands of the celebrated 
league, known as the Second Triumvirate, which was 
composed of Mark Antony, Octavius Csesar, after- 
wards surnamed Augustus — the adopted heir of 
Julius CaBsar — and Lepidus. 

20. The consequences which followed were most 
deplorable. A horrible compact entered into among 
themselves was the oi-igin of an inhuman proscrip- 
tion, by which numerous Roman knights and sena- 
tors were sacrificed to the malice of the Triumvirs. 
The celebrated orator, Cicero, was among those who 
perished. 

21. Brutus and Cassius having fled to Thrace, 
and, with a determination to restore the common- 
wealth, collected an army of 100,000 men, Antony 
and Octavius pursued them with a still larger force. 
The two armies met at Philippi, in Thrace. Here a 
battle was fought, which decided the fate of the em- 

QuESTioNS. — 19. Into whose hands did the government fall 
shortly after ? 20. What is said of the consequences ? 21. 
Whither did Brutus and Cassius fly, and what followed ? 



HISTORY — ANCIENT. 81' 

pire. Bmtiis and Cassius were utterly defeated. To 
escape from their enemies, they perished by their 
own hands. B. C. 42. 

22. The Triumvirate did not long exist. Octa^ius, 
aspiring to supreme dominion, procured the banish- 
ment of Lepidus. Subsequently, the conduct of 
Antony in connection with Cleopatra, the Egyptian 
queen, having given Octavius a pretext to charge 
Antony with neglect of his wife, Octavia, the sister 
of Octavius, a war broke out between them, which 
resulted in the defeat of Antony, in the naval battle 
of Actium. B. C. 31. 

23. The consequences of this celebrated battle 
were of momentous importance. Antony destroyed 
himself in Alexandria: Cleopatra, the last of the 
Ptolemies, having aided him in the war, procured 
death from the sting of an asp : Egypt was reduced 
to a Roman province : Octavius was left the sole 
master of the Roman world ; and the Roman republic 
was no more. 



Questions. — 22. Wliat became of the Triumvirate after- 
wards ? 23. What were the consequences of the battle of 
Actium ? 



82 inSTOKY — ^AlfCIENT. 



SECTION V. 

From the Battle of Actium, 31 B. C, to the Extinction of 
the Western Empire of the Romans, 476 A. C 

1. OcTAvius, being now master of the lives and 
fortunes of the Roman people, assumed, under the 
name of Augustus, the title and office of Emperour. 
He, however, acted with great caution and prudence ; 
and whilst he changed the nature of the orovern- 
ment, he lulled suspicion and silenced opposition by 
retaining the repubhcan forms. 

2. Treacherous and cruel as had been the conduct 
of Augustus during the Triumvirate, as Emperour his 
character appears in a ditferent light. He cherished 
the arts of peace, and promoted the welfare of his 
subjects ; and by governing with much wisdom and 
moderation, succeeded in gradually consolidating the 
supreme authority he had usurped. His reign is 
celebrated as the golden period of Roman literature 
and arts. 

3. In the twenty-sixth year of the reign of Au- 
gustus, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was 
born. 

4. Augustus was succeeded in the empire by 

Questions. — 1. What is said of Octavius? 2. What is said 
of his character as a Triumvir, and as Emperour? Wliat is 
said of his reign ? 3. What happened in the twenty-sixth 
year of his reign ? 4. Who succeeded Augustus ? 



HISTOKY ANCIENT. OO 

Tiberius, an odious and cruel tyrant. His reign lasted 
twenty-two years, and ended by his being poisoned 
or strangled by one of his favourites. 

5. In the eighteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, 
our Saviour Jesus Christ suffered death on the 
Cross. 

6. Tiberius was succeeded by Caligula, a most 
despicable tyrant, whose conduct was marked by 
profligacy, cruelty, madness, and folly. He was 
assassinated after a reign of four years. 

7. He was succeeded by Claudius, his cowardly 
and imbecile uncle. The life of this emperour, marked 
by profligate vices, was shortened by Agrippina, his 
wife, who poisoned him to make way for her son 
Nero. He reigned fourteen years. 

8. Nero, of all the Roman Emperours, was the most 
notorious for profligacy and tyranny. Among the 
numerous victims who suffered death by his cruelty, 
were his own mother, his wife, his tutor Seneca, the 
philosopher, and the poet Lucan. He caused the 
city of Rome to be set on fire, through mere wan- 
tonness ; and having charged the act upon the Chris- 
tians, who were already numerous, gave rise to the 
first of the ten terrible persecutions against them. 
It was during this persecution that St. Peter and St. 
Paul, the Apostles, were martyred. Nero, having 

Questions. — 5. What happened in the eighteenth year of 
the reign of Tiberius ? 6. Who succeeded Tiberius ? 7. Who 
succeeded Caligula? 8. What is said of Nero? What were 
some of his acts ? 



84 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

been overtlirown by a conspiracy, wliicli his odious 
crimes had brought against him, killed himself in the 
fourteenth year of his reign, 

9. After the death of Nero, Galba was proclaimed 
Emperour, but was killed after a reign of seven 
months. He was succeeded by Otho, who, having 
been defeated l^y his rival, Vitellius, slew himself after 
a reign of only ninety-five days. Yitellius then 
mounted the throne, but was assassinated before he 
had completed the first year of his reign. 

10. Vespasian was now proclaimed Emperour by 
the army. He was an able sovereign, and was dis- 
tinguished for his affability, clemency, and firmness. 
His reign is memorable for the destruction of Jerusa- 
lem, which was effected by the Romans under the 
command of Titus, the son of Vespasian, after a siege 
of six months. A. C. VO. Vespasian died after a 
reign of ten years. 

11. He was succeeded by his son, Titus, who, on 
account of his amiability, justice, and humanity, ob- 
tained the appellation of the " Delight of Mankind." 
During his reign, which lasted three years, the cities 
of Herculaneum and Pompeii were overwhelmed by 
an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 

12. Domitian, the brother and successor of Titus, 
was another monster of vice and cruelty. His reign 

Questions.— 9. What happened after the death of Nero ? 
10. What next occurred ? What is said of Vespasian ? What 
happened in his reign? 11. Who succeeded Vespasian? 
What is said of him ? What happened during his reign ? 



HISTOEY ANCIENT. 85 

is noted for the conquest of Britain, by Agricola, and 
the second of the ten persecutions against the Chris- 
tians. He was assassinated at the instigation of his 
wife. 

13. Domitian was the last of those emperours who 
are styled the Twelve Ceesars — Juhus Caesar being- 
considered the first — though Augustus was the first 
generally named emperour, and Nero was, in reality, 
the last of the family of Augustus. Augustus, Ves- 
pasian, and Titus were the only ones of these emper- 
ours who died natural deaths. 

14. Domitian was succeeded by Nerva, an aged 
but virtuous prince. He reigned but sixteen months, 
and was succeeded by Trajan. 

15. Trajan was a great and virtuous man. He 
defeated the Dacians and Parthians, and brought un- 
der subjection Assyria, Mesopotamia, and Arabia 
Felix. During; his reign the boundaries of the Ro- 
man empire were more extensive than either before or 
after. He died A. C. 117. In this reign the third 
of the persecutions against the Christians took place. 

16. Trajan was succeeded by his nephew Adrian, 
who was also an able sovereign, and, generally speak- 
ing, beneficent and equitable in his government. He 
was a liberal patron of the arts, and spent thirteen 

Questions. — 12. What is said of Domitian, and what hap- 
pened in his reign ? 13. Who was the last of the Twelve 
Caesars? What is said of these emperours ? 14. Who succeeded 
Domitian ? 15. What is said of Trajan ? Wliat happened in hia 
reign ? 16. Who succeeded Trajan ? What is said of Adrian ? 
8 



86 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

years in visiting personally the extensive dominions 
over which he was placed. He died in the twenty- 
first year of his reign. 

17. He was succeeded by Titus Antoninus, who, 
on account of his virtues and his love of religion and 
justice, was surnamed Pius. He enjoyed a peaceful 
reign of twenty-three years. 

18. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Marcus 
Aurelius Antoninus, surnamed the Philosopher. This 
excellent sovereign is esteemed the best model of Pa- 
gan virtue among the Roman emperours. Remark- 
able as he was in this respect, however, such was the 
determined opposition to Christianity, that during his 
reign the fourth of the ten persecutions was per- 
mitted to spend its fury. Aurehus reigned nineteen 
years, 

19. He was the last of the sovereigns styled " The 
Five Good Emperours ;" and the glory and prosperity 
of the Roman people appeared to perish with him. 
From his reign to that of Diocletian, a period of 104 
years, there were twenty-two emperours, most of 
their reigns being very short, and alike disastrous to 
the rulers and their subjects. All these sovereigns, 
save three, were cut off by assassination, or some other 
form of violent death. The empire, in fact, was torn 

Questions. — 17. Who succeeded Adrian? What is said of 
him ? 18. Who succeeded Titus Antoninus ? What is said 
of him ? What occurred in his reign ? 19. Who was the last 
of the five good emperours ? What is said of the period be- 
tween his reigu and that of Diocletian ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 



87 



by ambitious and cruel factions ; and, no longer sus- 
tained by the patriotism, virtue, and energy which 
had reared it, was fast hastening to its downfall. 

20. During this period, the fifth, sixth, seventh, 
eighth, and ninth of the ten persecutions of the Chris- 
tians took place, under the Emperours Severus, Max- 
iminus, Decius, Valerian, and Aurehan. 

21. Diocletian, who succeeded Aurehan in 284 
A. C, was originally a Dalmatian slave ; but rose, 
by his great merit as a soldier, from the ranks to the 
head of the army, and next to the Imperial Throne. 
Being opposed by numerous enemies, he associated 
with himself in the empire his friend Maximian ; and 
subsequently two other colleagues were taken, who 
were styled Caesars. All these, however, were con- 
trolled by Diocletian. During this reign, A. C. 303, 
the tenth and last, and also the bloodiest of the per- 
secutions, Avas directed against the Christians. Soon 
after, Diocletian abdicated the throne, after a reign 
of twenty years, and died eight years afterwards. 

22. On the abdication of Diocletian, Maximian 
having also withdrawn, the government of the em- 
pire passed into the hands of the two Caesars, Con- 
stantius and Galerius. Constantius dying, left his 
son Cons tantine as his successor ; and Galerius also 
dying shortly after, Constantine, surnamed the Great, 
became sole master of the empire. A. C. 310. 

Questions.— '20. What happened during this period ? 21. 
What is said of Diocletian ? Wliat happened during his reign ? 
22. What happened after the abdication of Diocletian ? 



88 HISTORY — ^ANCIENT. 

23. Constantine has the honour of being enrolled 
as the first Christian Emperour, and also of putting 
an end to the long and bloody persecutions of the 
Christians. His reign forms an important era in ec- 
clesiastical history, as the government became the 
protector of the religion which it had repeatedly and 
cruelly persecuted. 

24. Another important event in this reign was the 
removal of the seat of the empire from Rome to By- 
zantium, a city which afterwards received the name 
of Constantinople, in honour of the emperour. Con- 
stantine reigned thirty-one years. 

25. He was succeeded by his son, Constantius, 
who had a weak and unfortunate reign of twenty-four 
years, during which the empire was harassed by the 
inroads of the barbarians from the North. 

26. He was succeeded by Julian, surnamed the 
Apostate, on account of his abandoning Christianity 
and becoming a Pagan. He endeavoured to suppress 
the Christian religion, and attempted to reassemble 
the Jews and rebuild their temple. He was mirac- 
ulously defeated in his design. 

27. Julian was succeeded by Jovian, who restored 
the Christian religion. After a reign of seven months. 

Questions. — 23. What is said of Constantine and his reign? 
24. What was another important event in this reign ? 25. 
Wlio succeeded Constantine, and what is said of his reign? 

26. Wlio succeeded Constantius, and what is said of him? 

27. Who succeeded Julian? Who succeeded Jovian, and 
what then happened ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 89 

he was succeeded by Valentinian, who associated 
with himself his brother Valens, giving him the East- 
em provinces, a measm-e which finally separated the 
empire into Eastern and Western. 

28. Valentinian was succeeded by his son Gratian, 
who, on the death of Valens, associated with himself 
Theodosius, afterwards surnamed the Great. After 
the death of Gratian and his brother Valentinian II., 
Theodosius became sole master of the empire. His 
reign is distinguished for the complete establishment 
of Christianity and the downfall of Paganism. He 
was the last sovereign who presided over the whole 
empire; and, after a reign of eighteen years, was 
succeeded by his sons Honorius and Arcadius. The 
former became emperour of the Western Empire, the 
seat of which was at Rome, and the latter became 
emperour of the Eastern Empire, the seat of which 
was at Constantinople. A. C. 395. 

29. Long before this period, the barbarians of the 
North had commenced making inroads mto various 
portions of the empire. But at this time, embold- 
ened by previous successes, their irruptions assumed 
a most threatening and destructive character. These 
barbarians, consisting of various tribes in Germany, 

Questions. — 28. Who succeeded Valentinian ? Wliat hap- 
pened after the death of Valens ? What happened after the 
death of Gratian ? What distinguished the reign of Theo- 
dosius ? AVho succeeded Theodosius, and what division took 
place? 29. What had happened long before this period! 
What occurred at this period ? 
8* 



90 HISTOKY — ANCIENT. 

Scythia, and other nations to the North and East, com- 
monly called Goths, Huns, Vandals, &c., seemed inex- 
haustible in their numbers, and poured like an inces- 
sant torrent upon the enfeebled and distracted empire. 

30. At length a vast army of Goths, under Alaric, 
their king, invaded Italy ; and, having taken and pil- 
laged several cities, besieged the great city of Rome, 
which was finally reduced to submission, and became 
a prey to the licentious fury of the barbarous hordes 
of Germany and Scythia. The pillage lasted six 
days, and multitudes of the inhabitants were massa- 
cred. A. C. 410. 

31. Some years after the sacking of Rome by 
Alaric, the Huns (a barbarous people from the East), 
under the command of Attila, who was styled " the 
Scourge of God," poured in upon the empire, mark- 
ing their path with rapine and desolation ; and hav- 
ing penetrated to the gates of Rome, compelled the 
Emperour, Valentinian III., to purchase an inglorious 
peace. A. C. 445. 

32. Afterwards, the Vandals, a fierce horde of 
barbarians, under Genseric, took the city 6i Rome, 
which for eleven days was given up to pillage, and 
was plundered of every thing that had escaped the 
ravages of the Goths. 

33. The Western empire, now exhausted, weak- 

QuESTioNs. — 30. What is said of the Goths, under Alaric ? 
31. What happened some years afterwards ? 32. What liap- 
pened afterwards ? 33. What is said of the Western empire 
at this time ? 



HISTORY ANCIENT. 91 

ened, and degraded, was left an open and easy prey 
to the fierce and hardy spirits which surrounded it. 
At leno'th, Odoacer, the chief of the Heruh, having 
vanquished the weak emperour, Romulus Augustulus, 
put an end to the Western empire of the Romans, 
and assumed the title of King of Italy. A. C. 476. 
From this period the history of Rome merges mto 
that of Italy. 

34. Thus fell the Western empire of the Romans, 
piece by piece, like a- colossal edifice from which Time 
daily detaches a stone. It is remarkable that Romu- 
lus was the first king of Rome, and that the last 
lord of the falling empire should have called himself 
the same name ; that the first Roman Emperour was 
named Augustus, and that the last should call hun- 
self, as if in mockery, Augustulus. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Illustrious Men of Ancient History. 

1. Having concluded the "Outlines of Ancient 
History," it may be useful to mention a few of the 
most distinguished characters, not before refen-ed to, 
whose minds and actions have adorned its annals. 

Questions, — How, by whom, and when was it ended ? 34. 
"What is said of the fall of the Western empire, and what cir- 
cumstance is noticed as remarkable ? 1. What may be useful 
at this point ? 



yiJ HISTORY ^ANCIENT. 

2. Amongst the Israelites, or Jews, there were 
few, if any, of their great men distinguished for 
science or philosophy. The most of their propheti- 
cal writers flourished in the eio-hth, seventh, and sixth 
centuries before Christ. Of these, Isaias was the 
greatest. He was of the lineage of David, and pro- 
phesied from 735 to 681 B. C. 

3. Confucius, the celebrated Chinese philosopher, 
lived about 551 B. C. 

4. The Greeks were the most eminent of all an- 
cient nations in Uterature, philosophy, and the arts. 
The most of their classic writers flourished in the 
fifth, fourth, and third centuries before Christ ; though 
literature continued to be cultivated long after they 
were conquered by the Romans. 

5. Homer and Hesiod, the first Grecian poets, 
flourished about 907 B. C. The great poems of the 
former, the Iliad and the Odyssey, will endure for- 
ever. Few of the works of the latter are extant. 
Among the subsequent distinguished poets of Greece 
we may mention Sappho, the inventress of the Sap- 
phic verse ; Anacreon and Pindar, the lyric poets ; 
Theocritus, the father of pastoral poetry ; and JEs- 
chylus, the father of tragedy. 

6. The most eminent Grecian historians were, He- 

QuESTioNs. — 2. What is said of the great men among the 
Israelites, or Jews ? 3. Wliat is said of Confucius ? 4. What 
is said of the Greeks ? 5. What is said of Homer and Hesiod ? 
Name other Grecian poets. 6. Who were the most eminent 
Grecian historians ? 



HISTORY AT^CIENT. 93 

rodotiis, Thucydides, Xenophon, Polybius, and Dio- 
dorus Siculus. 

7. The most eminent of Grecian philosophers 
were — Thales, founder of the Ionic sect ; Pythagoras, 
founder of the Pythagorean sect ; Socrates, founder 
of the Socratic sect; Plato, founder of the Aca- 
demic sect ; Aristotle, founder of the Peripatetic 
sect ; Pyrrho, founder of the Sceptics ; Epicurus, 
of the Epicm-eans ; and Zeno, of the Stoics. Of 
these, Aristotle and Plato have exercised the 
greatest influence over the minds of men in all 
ages. 

8. Among the eminent men of science may be 
mentioned Hippocrates, the father of medicine ; 
Euclid, the great master of mathematics ; and Apol- 
lodorus, the grammarian. 

9. The most flourishing period of Roman literature 
comprised the century immediately preceding and 
following the Christian era. 

10. The Romans were not so much inclined to 
philosophical speculations as the Greeks. The most 
eminent of all their philosophers, as well as orators, 
was Cicero. 

11. Among their poets may be mentioned Yirgil, 

Questions. — 7. Who were the most emment Grecian philoso- 
phers ? What is said of Aristotle and Plato ? 8. Who Avere 
some of the most eminent men of science among the Greeks ? 

9. What was the most flourishing period of Eoman literatm'e? 

10. What is said of the Romans ? Who was their greatest 
philosopher? 11. Mention some of their poets. 



94 HISTORY ANCIENT. 

who holds the first rank; Lucretius, Horace, Ovid, 
and Juvenal, 

12. Sallust, Livy, and Tacitus are some of the 
most eminent Latin historians. 

13. The Christian Fathers flourished in the second, 
third, fourth, fifth, and sixth centuries after Christ. 
Some of the most distinguished of them are Origen, 
Cyprian, Chrysostom, Jerome, and Augustine. 

Questions. — 12, Who are some of their most emiiient his- 
torians ? 13. When did the Cliristian Fathers flourish ? Name 
some of the most distinguished. 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 95 



PART SECOND. 

THE MIDDLE AGES. 

CHAPTER I. 

1. According to the division of history we have 
adopted, the history of the Middle Ages comprises a 
period of nearly one thousand years, from the fall of 
the Western empire of the Romans, A. C. 476, to 
the extinction of the Eastern empire, in the year 
1453. 

2. There is no period of history which has been 
more misrepresented than this ; none concerning 
which there exists less correct general information. 
The vulgar story is, that they were ages of intel- 
lectual gloom and darkness, in which debasing super- 
stition, priestcraft, social and moral slavery, and po- 
litical tyranny, alone ruled the destinies of Europe, 
degrading the minds, corrupting the hearts, and de- 
stroying the energies of men. But this partial and 
unjust judgment must be reversed by the more hb- 
eral spirit with which the history of those ages is 
investigated at the present day. 

Questions. — 1. What does the history of the Middle Ages 
comprise ? 2. What is said of this period of history? What 
is the vulgar story concerning it ? 



96 HISTOKY MIDDLE AGES. 

3. It is true that the early portion of the Middle 
Ages was characterized, to a great extent, by a state 
of barbarism, ignorance, and disorder, which presents 
a sad picture when viewed through the light of the 
present day, or when contrasted with the brilhant 
age of Augustus. But that state was the gradual 
and natural result of a long train of circumstances, 
commencing during the reigns of the later Roman 
emperours in the corruption of morals, manners, and 
taste ; the decline of hterature, art, and science ; 
the life of hcentiousness and vice, and the consequent 
depression of intellect, and ending in the inundations 
of the barbarians from the North and East, which 
swept away in their resistless course almost all the 
landmarks of civilization, involving in a common ruin 
the most splendid monuments of ancient genius and 
wisdom. 

4. Even during this gloomy period, however, and 
amidst the destructive wars which were incessantly 
waged amongst the fierce barbarians, contending for 
the ascendency of their respective tribes throughout 
the conquered provinces, the heart expands with 
hope and joy in gazing upon the subhme attitude of 
the Christian Church. She alone can claim to be 
the Conservator of Civilization ; she alone — snatching 
from destruction the fragments of that splendid lit- 

QuESTioNs. — 3. What is said of the early portion of this pe- 
riod ? To what was this state of things owing ? 4. AYhat 
produces hope in the midst of this gloomy period ? What is 
said of the Christian Church ? 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 97 

erature which she has handed down to the present 
ao-e, and preserving with divine fortitude and courage 
the sacred records of Christianity — breasted the 
tierce waves of barbarism, and rode proudly over the 
general ruin, the ark of a future age of rejSnement 
and civilization. 

5. The Middle Ages may be considered as a pe- 
riod of gradual transition from the barbarism, an- 
archy, and disorder which arose on the ruins of 
Roman civilization, to the refinement of manners, the 
revival of literature and art, and the re-establishment 
of order, which produced the splendid progress in 
every branch of human knowledge that illustrates 
Modern History. 

6. Through that transition — marked, as it was, by 
barbarous customs, bloody warfare, and fierce and 
violent convulsions — the nations of Europe were led 
and guided by the Christian Church, which, true to 
her divine character and sacred mission, throughout 
the whole of that long and eventful period stands out 
in bold relief — ever in the foreground — ever teach- 
ing, curbing, governing, bringing to order and 
humanizing the fierce and turbulent world around 
her. 

7. In fact, the great power of the Church in these 



Questions.— 5. What may the Middle Ages be considered ? 
6. What led and guided the nations of Europe through this 
transition ? 7. What is one of the most prominent features 
of the period? 

9 



98 HISTOEY MIDDLE AGES. 

ages is one of the most prominent features of the 
period. It was, however, a beneficent and restrain- 
ing power, exercised in favour of the oppressed against 
tyrannical oppression — teaching the principles of 
morality — inculcating order, and instituting laws — 
founding schools — ameliorating the condition of the 
enslaved — encouraging the mild arts of peace, and 
proclaiming the Gospel of Love and Mercy. 

8. During those much misrepresented ages, arose 
some of the greatest men who had ever lived, dis- 
tinguished as statesmen, historians, philosophers, 
warriours, poets, and artists ; and to those ages the 
world is indebted for many of the most important 
discoveries and useful inventions, among which may 
be mentioned the invention of Gunpowder, and the 
art of Printing. 

9. It was during these ages that the vast cathe- 
drals, the architectural magnificence of which strikes 
the beholder with awe and wonder, were erected ; 
and that the master-pieces of art and poetry from 
Raphael, Domenichino, Dante, Petrarch, Tasso, Chau- 
cer, and others, were produced ; and it was from 
these ages that, in the Common Law and the great 
principles of Magna Charta, our own pohtical and 
civil institutions have derived some of their brightest 
and most invaluable principles. 

Questions. — What was the character of the power exercised 
by the Church ? 8. What arose during those ages, and for 
what is the world indebted to them ? 9. What were other 
circumstances which render those ages remarkable ? 



HISTORY IsnDDLE AGES. VV 

10. There are many points in the History of the 
Middle Ages of great interest ; but they were par- 
ticularly distinguished for the prevalence of the Feu- 
dal System, the Crusades, or Holy Wars, and the 
institution of Chivalry ; also, for the rise and fall of 
the Saracen Empire, which forms the subject of the 
next chapter. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE SARACEN EMPIRE. 
Its Rise and Fall: from A. C. 622, to 1258. 

1. After the downfal of the Western empire of 
the Romans, the Eastern empire continued to linger 
through a weak and degenerate existence for several 
centuries. But in the mean time, towards the end 
of the sixth centuiy after Christ, a new dominion 
arose in the East, which was destined to produce a 
powerful change on a great portion of the world. 
This was the empire which was reared by Mahomet, 
the celebrated impostor, and his successors, and 
known in history as the Saracen Empire. 

2. The Saracens were originally a rude and illiter- 

QuESTioNs. — 10. For what were those ages particularly dis- 
tinguished ? 1. What is said of the Eastern empire, after the 
faU of the Western ? What arose in the mean time ? 2. What 
is said of the Saracens? 



100 HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 

ate people, living in the northern and western parts 
of Arabia ; but their name was afterwards applied 
to most of the Arabian nations. They lived in inde- 
pendent tribes, leading a roving and predatory life, 
and had become, by selling their services as mer- 
cenaries, alternately the support and ten-our of the 
tottering empires of Rome and Persia. Such was 
their character when Mahomet, a native of Mecca, 
appeared, and commenced his extraordinary career. 

3. He was a man of no education, but of great 
natural talents. He undertook to establish a new 
religion, which he pretended he received by special 
revelation from heaven, and the principles of which 
were collected in a volume styled the Koran. His 
followers styled themselves Mussulmans or Moslems ; 
and their two leading doctrines are — " There is but 
one God, and Mahomet is his Prophet." Mahomet, 
though he adopted some of the Christian principles 
of morality, and retained many of the rites of Juda- 
ism, owed his success chiefly to his allowing his fol- 
lowers much licentious indulgence, and to his prom- 
ising them, as their reward, a future paradise of sen- 
sual pleasures. 

4. Mahomet, at first, had little success. After 
three years of exertion, he had made only fourteen 
converts ; and, in consequence of a tumult raised 

Qltestions. — 3. What is said of Mahomet? What did he 
undertake ? What is said of tlie nature of his doctrines ? 4. 
What was Mahomet's success at first? What is his flight 
called, and when did it take place ? 



HISTORY ^illDDLE AGES. 101 

against him, he was obliged to save his life by flight, 
and escaped from Mecca to Medina. This flight, 
called the Hegira, is the Mahometan era, and took 
place in the year A. C. 622. 

5. He was carried into Medina in triumph, and 
there subsequently assumed the regal and sacerdotal 
office. He afterwards put himself at the head of an 
army of his converts, and commenced to propagate 
his religion by the sword, proclaiming that " to fight 
for the faith was an act of obedience to God," and 
promising a martyr's crown to all who should fall in 
battle. He fought in person in nine battles, sub- 
dued all Arabia, extended his conquests to Syria, 
and, after a career of victory, died at Medina. 
A. C. 632. 

6. Mahomet was succeeded by his father-in-law, 
Abubeker, who is styled the first Caliph, that is, suc- 
cessor, or vicar. He pursued a course of conquest, 
invaded Syria, and took the cities of Bostria, Pal- 
myra, and Damascus. 

7. He was succeeded by Omar, during whose rule, 
which lasted ten years, the Mahometans subdued 
36,000 cities, demolished 4000 Christian churches, 
and erected 1400 mosques for Mahometan worship. 
Syria, Phoenicia, Mesopotamia, Chaldea, Persia, and 
Egypt were also reduced to submission. The con- 

QuESTioxs. — 5. How was he received at Medina? What oc- 
curred afterwards ? 6. Who succeeded Mahomet, and what 
is said of him? 7. AVho succeeded Abubeker? W^hat oc- 
curred during his reign ? 

9* 



102 HISTOEY ^MIDDLE AGES. 

quest of Egypt was attended by the wanton destnic- 
tion of the famous library of Alexandria, containing 
upwards of 500,000 volumes. Omar was assassinated 
in the year 644. 

8. He was succeeded by Ali, the son-in-law of 
Mahomet, who is regarded as one of the bravest and 
most virtuous of the cahphs. During his reign, which 
was short, but glorious, a schism took place among 
the followers of Mahomet, which exists to this day, 
and divides them into two sects — the Shyites, or sect 
of Ali, and the Sonnites, or Ottomans. The Persians 
are of the sect of Ali ; the Turks are Sonnites and 
Ottomans. 

9. Ali removed the seat of the Cahphate from 
Mecca to Cufa, on the Euphrates ; and in the year 
768 it was removed by Almansor to Bagdad. Hence, 
the Mussulman sovereigns are styled Caliphs of Bag- 
dad. 

10. So rapid and extensive were the conquests of 
the Saracens, that in one century from the Hegira, 
or flight of Mahomet, their dominions extended from 
India, over Persia, Syria, Asia Minor, Arabia, Egypt, 
and the North of Africa, to the Atlantic, and included, 
also, the best portion of Spain, where, in the city of 
Cordova, was established a Caliphate, which, next to 

Questions. — 8. Who succeeded Omar? What occurred 
during All's reign ? 9. What did All do touching the seat of 
the Caliphate? When, and to what place, was It removed by 
Almansor? 10. What is said of the conquests of the Sara- 



HISTORY ^JkllDDLE AGES. 103 

that of Bagdad, was the most illustrious in Saracenic 
history. 

11. The first race of Cahphs was styled Ommia- 
des, and the second race, Abbasides, from Abbas, 
the uncle of Mahomet. Almansor, the second Ca- 
hph of the house of Abbas, and founder of Bagdad, 
is distinofuished for having: been the first to introduce 
and encourage the cultivation of the sciences among 
the Saracens. 

12. Haroun Al Raschid, the twenty-fifth Caliph, 
who flourished about the year 800, and was a con- 
temporary of Charlemagne, made Bagdad illustrious 
by the successful cultivation of the arts and sciences. 
His reign is considered the golden age of Saracenic 
or Arabic literature. The sciences chiefly cultivated 
were medicine, geometry, and astronomy; also, po- 
etry and fiction. 

13. The Saracenic empire, during the early and 
most flourishing period of its existence, was subject to 
one head ; but it was at length broken into many 
parts, and commenced to decline as early as in the 
ninth century. 

14. Bagdad continued the seat of the Saracen em- 
pire for 490 years, during which period it sustained 
several obstinate sieges, and was convulsed by many 

QuESTioNS.-rll. What were the first and second races of 
Caliphs styled? What is said of Almansor? 12. What is 
said of Haroun Al Easchid ? What sciences were chiefly cul- 
tivated? 13. What is said of the Saracen empire? 14. What 
is said of Bagdad ? What took place in the year 1258 ? 



104: HISTORY I^nDDLE AGES. 

bloody revolutions. At length, in the 656th year of 
the Hegira, A. C. 1258, Bagdad was taken by Hula 
Ku, the grandson of the celebrated Genghis Khan : 
the reigning Caliph was put to death, the Caliphate 
was abolished, and the Saracen empire terminated. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE FEUDAL SYSTEM. 

1. The Feudal System, which formed so essential 
a feature in the social and political condition of Eu- 
rope during the Middle Ages, had its origin among 
the barbarous tribes — the Goths, Huns, Vandals, 
Lombards, &c. — that overran the provinces on the 
decline of the Roman empire. 

2, In those turbulent times, when the long-estab- 
hshed laws and usages of the Roman government were 
swept away, the rude and warlike conquerors seized 
upon the rich lands of the empire. These lands were 
distributed among them by lot ; hence they v/ere 
called allotted, or allodial ; and they were held by the 
different chieftains in complete sovereignty, without 
any obligation existing between them, save that of 
uniting in case of war for the common defence. 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the origin of the Feudal 
System ? 2. In what mannei* was its estabhshment in Eu- 
rope commenced i 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 105 

3. The king, or leader, of each tribe, of course re- 
ceived by far the larger portions of the conquered 
territory as his share. These he parcelled or granted 
out to his principal followers ; who, in consideration 
of such grant, bound themselves merely to render 
him certain military services when required. 

4. The example of the king, or leader, was imi- 
tated by those to whom these grants were made. 
They likewise parcelled out their estates to their de- 
pendants, requiring in return therefor military ser- 
vices. • Thus a feudal kingdom became a great mili- 
tary estabhshment, being a collection of independent 
chieftains, each surrounded by his own retainers, and 
all bound to one head chief by the single obhgation 
to yield him military service in his wars. 

5. It will be perceived that the fundamental prin- 
ciple of the system was, that all the lands in the 
kingdom were originally granted out by the sovereign, 
and were held of the crown. Tlie grantor was called 
lord ; and those to whom he made grants of land were 

i called feudatories, or vassals. The military service, 
which was the condition upon which the feudatories 
held their lands, was in keeping with the unsettled 



Questions. — 8. What is said of the king, or leader, of each 
tribe ? How did he dispose of his lands ? 4. By whom, and 
how, was his example followed ? What is said of a feudal 
kingdom ? 5. What was the fundamental principle of this 
system ? What were the grantor and those to whom the 
grants were made called ? What is said of the military ser- 
vice? 



106 HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 

and warlike spirit of the age, and was esteemed 
honourable. 

6. The great mass of the people, who cultivated 
the lands, were styled serfs, villains, or bondsmen, and 
were in a state of miserable servitude. They were 
not allowed to bear arms, or to leave the estates of 
their lords. 

1. The Feudal System, though well calculated for 
defence, was very defective in its provisions for the 
interiour order of society. The bond of union being 
feeble, and the sources of discord numerous,, a king- 
dom often exhibited a scene of anarchj', turbulence, 
and war ; and, in fact, from the ninth to the eleventh 
century, Europe was in a constant state of conten- 
tion. 

8. So great and numerous were the social evils 
flowing from this source, that several bishops of the 
Church, finding no other means of resisting them, 
ordered, under pain of excommunication, that during 
four days of every week, from the afternoon of 
Wednesday to the morning of the following Mon- 
day, whatever might be the cause of strife or quarrel, 
all private hostilities should cease. The same prohi- 
bition was afterwards extended to the whole time of 
Advent and Lent. This beneficial institution, which 

Questions. — 6. What is said of the great mass of the peo- 
ple? 7. What is said of the Feudal System? 8. What was 
done for the purpose of checking the disasters iiov/ing from 
the system? What was the institution styled, and what is 
said of it? 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. lOT 

was termed the Truce of God, originated in France 
about the year 1040. It was adopted in England, 
Spain, (fee, and was productive of the most remarka- 
ble and salutary results. 

9. The Feudal System was adopted in France by 
Charlemagne, and by most of the princes of Europe. 
It was introduced into England by William the Con- 
queror. 

10. Some of the principal causes of its decline 
and general extinction were, the Crusades, the for- 
mation of cities into communities, the change in the 
mode of war produced by the invention of gun- 
powder, the extension of commerce, the increase 
and distribution of wealth, and the diffusion of 
knowledge. 

11. Remnants of the Feudal System still exist, 
however, in some parts of Europe, particularly in 
Russia and portions of Germany. 

Questions. — 9. Where was the Feudal System adopted ? 
10. What were some of the principal causes of its decline 
and extinction? 11. Where do remnants of the system still 
exist? 



108 HISTORY — ^JSHDDLE AGES. 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE CRUSADES. 

From their Commencement, 1095 A. C, to their Termination, 
1272. 

1. The Crusades were military expeditions under- 
taken by the Christian nations of Western Europe, 
for the purpose of dehvering Palestine, or the Holy 
Land, from the power of the Mahometans. 

2. The motives which urged the nations of Europe 
to engage in these expeditions were numerous and 
forcible. On the one hand, the richest and most 
valuable portions of Western Asia had fallen into the 
hands of the Seljukian Turks, a fierce race of Tar- 
tars, who now threatened to precipitate their barba- 
rous hordes upon the shores of Europe, and so 
harassed the Eastern empire, that Alexius Comme- 
nus, the reigning emperour, urgently called for assist- 
ance from the West. On the other hand, the daily 
recitals of the revolting cruelties and oppressions ex- 
ercised by the Arabs and Turks, in Palestine, against 
the Christians, whether there as residents or as pil- 
grims visiting the places rendered sacred by the 
sufferino-s of our Redeemer, had aroused in the heart 

Questions. — 1. What were tlie Crusades ? 2. What is said 
of the motives which produced them ? State some of the 
circumstauces wliicli caused them. 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 109 

of Christendom a feeling of pious indignation, and a 
burning desire to relieve their persecuted brethren, 
and AYrest the consecrated soil of Palestine from the 
hands of the Infidel. 

3. In the midst of this state of things, Peter, a 
French priest, surnamed the Hermit, bearing with 
him from Palestine ample testimony of the cruel op- 
pression he had witnessed, and urgent appeals to the 
Pope and the princes of Europe from Simeon, the 
pious patriarch of Jerusalem, returned to Europe with 
the determination of calling Christendom to arms. 
Received with kindness by the Pope, Urban II., and 
commissioned by him to preach everywhere in favour 
of delivering Jerusalem, Peter, by his zeal and elo- 
quence, soon roused such an enthusiasm in favour of 
the undertaking, that all Europe appeared to be in 
arms. This was the origin of the first Crusade, 
which was decided upon at the Council of Clermont, 
in France, in the year 1095. Those who engaged 
in the expedition wore, as a mark of their engage- 
ment, a Cross made of red stuff, and fastened on 
the right shoulder. Hence the names Cinisader and 
Cmsade. 

4. Early in the year 1096 A. C, the vast army of 
the Crusaders, amounting, it is said, to upwards of 

Questions. — 3. What happened in the midst of these cir- 
cumstances ? What was the origin of the first Crusade ? 
What originated the word Crusade ? 4. What happened in 
the year 1096 ? Who held the most prominent place in the 
first Crusade ? 

10 



110 HISTOKY ^MIDDLE AGES. 

700,000 men, commenced their march towards the 
East, in two divisions, and in different directions. 
Among the many princes who commanded this host, 
the celebrated Godfrey of Bouillon, Duke of Lor- 
rain, held the most prominent place. 

5. The first division, much smaller than the second, 
was led by Peter the Hermit in person ; and being 
destitute of the subordination and discipline so ne- 
cessary in large armies, met with many and most 
disastrous reverses. A large portion Avas slain on 
the route through Hungary and Bulgaria, and the 
remainder, on reaching Asia, was met on the plains 
of Nice by the Sultan Solyman, and completely de- 
feated. 

6. The second division, commanded chiefly by 
Godfrey, and Baldwin, Earl of Flanders, reached 
Constantinople in safety. Passing over to the Asiat- 
ic coast, the Crusaders pursued a career of victory ; 
reducing several cities, and finally, after defeating an 
army of 600,000 Saracens, marched upon the city 
of Jerasalem. After a siege of forty days, the 
Christian forces triumphed : they took the city, and 
proclaimed Godfrey King of Jerusalem. Soon after, 
the Crusaders, under Godfrey, defeated another 
Saracen army, 400,000 strong, near Ascalon. A. C. 
1099. 



Questions. — 5. Who led the first division, and what be- 
came of it? 6. What were the actions of the second di- 
vision ? 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. Ill 

7. The Mahometans having gradually recovered 
their strength, and the Crusaders who remained in 
Asia having been compelled to sohcit aid from 
Ciiristendom, the second Crusade was preached by 
the celebrated Abbot of Clairvaux, St. Bernard. 
This Crusade was led by Louis VI I. , King of France, 
and Conrad III., Emperour of Germany. It was 
completely unsuccessful. The Crusaders set out in 
the year 1147, and in the course of two years met 
with such reverses and ruinous defeats, as to render 
all their eflforts entirely abortive. 

8. The Mahometans, under the celebrated Saladin, 
having in the year 1187 wrested from the Christians 
the city of Jerusalem, and nearly the whole of Pal- 
estine, a third Crusade was undertaken in the year 
following. The leaders of this expedition Avere the 
three distinguished sovereigns — Philip Augustus, 
Kino; of France : Richard I., surnamed Coem' de 
Lion, of England ; and Frederick Barbarossa, Em- 
perour of Germany. 

9. The Emperour Frederick was drowned in Cili- 
cia ; Philip Augustus, after having, in conjunction 
with Richard, taken Ptolemais, quarrelled with his 
rival, and shortly after returned home in disgust, 
leaving the chief command solely to Richard. 

Questions. — 7. Wli.it produced the second Crusade, and by 
whom was it preached ? By whom was it led, and wliat Avas 
its fate? 8. What produced the third Crusade ? Wlio were 
the leaders of the third Crusade ? 9. What is said of Fred- 
erick and Philip Augustus ? 



112 HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 

10. Richard ably sustained tlie contest against the 
splendid talents of Saladin, whom he defeated near 
Ascalon. But his army became reduced by famine, 
fatigue, and destructive divisions. Returning through 
Germany, alone and in disguise, he was arrested, and 
kept in prison till he was ransomed by his subjects. 
A.C. 1194. 

11. On the death of Saladin, which took place 
soon after, great civil dissensions distracted the Ma- 
hometans, and the occasion was seized for prosecu- 
ting a fourth Crusade. At the head of this expedi- 
tion was Baldwin, Count of Flanders. But before 
reaching the Holy Land, the throne of the Eastern 
empire at Constantinople having been seized by a 
usurper, the Crusaders v/ere induced by the prom- 
ises of the son of the dethroned emperour to exert 
their power for the purpose of restoring his father. 

12. Accordingly, they turned their Venetian gal- 
leys in that direction, and after severe resistance took 
the city of Constantinople by storm. The usurper 
fled, and the old emperour reascended the throne. 
Shortly after, however, the emperour and his son 
fell victims to the perfidy and intrigues of their ene- 
mies, and the throne was seized by another usurper. 
Thereupon the Crusaders attacked the imperial city 

Questions. — 10. What is said of Eicliard and his army ? 
What liappened him on his return ? 11. What produced the 
fourth Crusade, and who was its leader ? What deterred the 
Crusaders from going to the Holy Laud? 12. Whither did 
they go, and what occurred ? 



HISTORY :^^DDLE AGES. 113 

a second time, and once more earned it by storm. 
The usurper made his escape from the city during 
the night ; and Baldwin, the intrepid leader of the 
enterprise, was elevated to the imperial throne, of 
which he and his countrymen kept possession for 
fifty-seven years. This event took place in the year 
A. C. 1204. 

13. The fifth Crusade was shortly after under- 
taken. It was principally conducted by John of 
Brienne, at the head of 100,000 men. He made a 
descent upon Egypt; and, though he at first met 
with success, he was obliged finally to abandon it 
and return. A. C. 1221. 

14. The sixth Crusade was commenced by the 
noble and virtuous Louis IX., of France, justly styled 
St. Louis, in the year A. C. 1244. He began by 
invading Egypt, and succeeded in taking Damietta. 
But during the advance of the army on Cairo, the 
capital of Egypt, the Crusaders were completely de- 
feated by the Mahometans, at Massoura, and Louis 
himself was shortly after taken prisoner. A. C. 1250. 
Having been ransomed, he returned to France. 

15. About thirteen years afterwards, Louis w^as 
induced to undertake a second crusade, which was 
directed against the Moors in Africa, and was the 

Questions. — 13. "What was undertaken shortly after ? Who 
led the fifth Crusade, and what was its late ? 14. WJio com- 
menced the sixth Crusade, and when ? How did Louis begin ? 
How did the expedition terminate ? 15. What happened about 
thirteen years after ? 

10* 



114 HISTOEY MIDDLE AGES. 

seventh and last of tliose great enterprises. Having 
embarked with 60,000 chosen troops, Louis laid 
siege to Tunis ; but before anything of importance 
could be done, a pestilence broke out in the army, 
which proved fatal to the king and one half of liis 
followers. A. C. 1272. 

16. The Crusades owed their origin to the noblest 
and most generous impulses of the heart, and were 
urged by motives of honour, humanity, and religion ; 
and though it has been common for very many 
modern writers to view them with scorn, they will, 
when the chcumstances and the times which pro- 
duced them are properly considered, stand the se- 
verest test of impartial investigation, and be ranked 
among the noble monuments of the piety, heroism, 
and devotion to the great interest of Christian civih- 
zation, which characterized the movements of that 
iron age of Christian faith. 

17. It is true that much blood was shed — nearly 
2,000,000 of the Crusaders having perished. But 
when this loss, in the space of nearly 200 years, is 
compared with the great consumption of human life 
in modern wars, which have been carried on for the 
mere purposes of criminal ambition, it sinks into in- 
significance. The wars of Napoleon, which lasted 
only twenty years, occasioned the death of no fewer 
than 8,000,000 of men. 

Questions. — What was the result of this Crusade ? 16. What 
is said of the Crusades ? 17. What is said of the loss of life 
during the Crusades ? 



HISTOEY — MIDDLE AGES. 115 

18. When the beneficial effects of the Cnisades 
are considered, tlie loss, great as it was, cannot be 
regretted, or nrged as a ground of reproach. The 
Crusades saved European civilization from imminent 
peril, by checking the fierce progress of the Eastern 
barbarians ; they healed many of the petty animosi- 
ties which had existed among neighbouring piinces, 
and had long kept Christendom in a state of turbu- 
lent and destructive warfare ; relieved the Feudal 
System from many of its oppressive features ; ren- 
dered travelling more easy and secure ; gave an im- 
petus to the art of navigation, and facilities to com- 
merce ; awakened a spirit of enterprise, and, by the 
necessary communication with Greece and Syria 
which they promoted, were one of the most powerful 
helps towards the complete revival of literature, art, 
and science. 



CHAPTER V. 

CHIVALRY. 

1. One of the most remarkable features in the 
society of the Middle Ages was the institution of 
Chivalry. Various opinions have been advanced by 

Questions.— 18. What is said of the beneficial effects of the 
Crusades ? What were some of those beneficial effects ? 1. 
What was one of the most remarkable features in the society 
of the Middle Ages, and what is said of its origin ? 



116 HISTOEY MIDDLE AGES. 

modern writers as to its origin. Some contend that 
it owed its establishment to the Goths ; others, that 
it took its rise from the Crusades ; and several, that 
it was a consequence of the Feudal System. But, 
without denying that each and all of these may have 
entered into the causes which gave rise to some of 
the features of the institution, it may be safely as- 
serted that the great power which gave it form and 
embodiment, and controlled its spirit, was the in- 
fluence of Christianity exercised over that rude and 
turbulent age for the purpose of checking, counter- 
acting, and subduino: the outrages and miseries at- 
tendant upon an infant state of civihzation. 

2. Chivalry may be described as an institution 
which blended the fiery and warlike spirit of the age 
with the ennobling virtues of charity, justice, honour, 
hospitality, courtesy, and valour. 

3. Its distinguishing characteristics were a ro- 
mantic spirit of adventure ; a love of arms, and the 
rewards of valour ; an eagerness to succour the dis- 
tressed and redress wrongs ; high sentiments of 
honour ; veneration for religion ; and a devoted and 
respectful attachment for the female sex. Its ob- 
jects were to check the insolence of overgrown op- 
pressors ; to succour the afflicted ; to liberate the 
helpless from captivity ; to protect or to avenge wo- 
men, orphans, or clergymen, who could not bear 

Questions. — 2. How may Chivalry be described ? 3. What 
were its distinguishing characteristics and its objects ? 



HISTORY ^MIDDLE AGES. 117 

arms in their own defence ; to redress wrongs of all 
kinds, and to remove grievances. 

4. Chivalry pervaded almost every part of Eu- 

j rope ; but France, Spain, and Germany were the 
] countries in which it first arrived at perfection. 
; During the Crusades the institution was at its height 
: on the Continent ; but it did not reach maturity in 
. England until the reign of Edward III., in the four- 
teenth century. 

5. Knighthood was the highest degree in Chivalry, 
and every person of noble birth aspired to the honour. 

: Long pre\dous disciphne, however, was necessary to 
attain it ; and it was conferred amidst devout and 
imposing solemnities. It was deemed a distinction 
superiour to royalty, and monarchs were found to re- 
ceive it from the hands of private gentlemen. 

6. Those who were destined for this high honour, 
were placed for education, at an early age, in the 
castle of some knight. There, surrounded by vir- 
tuous ladies and valiant knights, the youth, who, 
from the age of seven to fourteen, was styled a page, 
or valet, received his first impressions of virtue and 
love, honour and valour. After passing the degree of 

I page, the youth, at the age of fourteen, received the 
I degree of Esquire, and was then authorized to bear 
! arms. On arriving at the age of twenty-one, the 

I Questions. — i. Where did Chivalry prevail ? 5. What was 
I the highest degree in Chivalry ? What is said of it ? 6. Ex- 
plain the manner in which knighthood was reached. How 
did the candidate prepare himself? 



118 HISTORY — MIDDLE AGES. 

Esquire underwent an examination, and, if deemed J 
worthy, was admitted to the full honours of Knight- 
hood. The candidate for this last degree was re- 
quired to prepare himself by ablutions, by strict 
fasting, by passing the previous night in prayer, and 
by making a solemn confession of his sins ; and, as 
a type of the purity of life and manners to which, he 
dedicated himself, he was clothed in white. 

'7. The most important part of the equipments of 
a knight was his horse : his most distinguishmg > 
weapon, his lance. His other offensive weapons con- 
sisted of a sword, dagger, battle-axe, and mace. His 
helmet, cuirass, coat of mail, shield, &c., constituted 1 
his defensive armour. 

8. The laws of Chivalry made it the duty of the 
knight to protect the chastity and honour of the i 
ladies ; to relieve faithful vassals from the oppression, i 
of petty lords, and to observe, on all occasions, in 5 
a special manner, the virtues of hospitality, humanity,' , 
and courtesy. Great excellence and skill in all the 
martial sports and exercises of the age ; the virtues 
of piety, chastity, modesty, courtesy, loyalty, liberal- 
ity, sobriety, and, above all, an inviolable attachment 1 
to truth, and an invincible courage, were the endow- 
ments and virtues necessary to form an accomplished i 
knight. 

Questions. — 7. What were the equipments, offensive and 
defensive, of the knight? 8. AVhat were the duties of a 
knight, and his virtues and endowments ? 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 119 



|[ 9. The favourite amusements and exercises of the 
mights were jousts, tilts, and tournaments, the most 
splendid of which were celebrated at royal marriages 
md coronations, and after great victories. They were 
ittended by distinguished knights, barons, princes, 
md ladies of the highest rank; and sm-passed in 
Gorgeous display, and exciting circumstances, eveiy 
scenic performance of modern times. 
! 10. Chivalry also embraced various orders or asso- 
ciations of knights, united for specific purposes, 
mostly of a benevolent or half-religious character. 
rhese orders figure prominently in history, and some 
•emains of them exist to this time. The order of the 
Knights Hospitallers — afterwards called the Knights 
of Malta — was founded in the eleventh century, at 
Jerusalem. The order of the Knights Templars was 
founded also at Jerusalem, in 1118 A. C, and sup- 
pressed in 1 3 1 2 . The Teutonic order was established 
about 1190 A. G. 

11. The influence of Chivaliy upon society was 
most important. It gave a noble direction to the 

' military spirit of the age, which else would have 
tepent itself in perpetual war, rapine, and anarchy. 
■" War was carried on with less ferocity, when hu- 
manity came to be deemed the ornament of knight- 
hood, no less than courage. More gentle and polished 

Questions. — 9. What were the favourite amusements of the 
knights ? How were they attended ? 10. What did Chivalry 
also embrace ? 11. What is said of the influence of Cliivalry 
upon society? 



120 mSTOKY MIDDLE AGES. 

manners were introduced, when courtesy was recom- 
mended as the most amiable of knightly virtues. 
Violence and oppression decreased, when it was 
reckoned meritorious to check and to punish them." 
Treachery and hypocrisy became detestable, when 
loyalty and truth became the distinguishing charac- 
teristics of the gentleman, and all the low and grov- 
elling passions of the heart were checked, when its 
aspirations were directed towards the cultivation of 
the ennobling sentiments that glorified the sphit of 
Chivalry. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Rise of the Ottoman Empire and Extinction of the Eastern 
Etnpire of the Romans. From 1300 A. C, to 1453. 

1. The Crusades, which for nearly two centuries ? 
precipitated the Chivalry of Western Europe upon ] 
the shores of Asia, retarded, but did not prevent, , 
the encroachments of the Turks upon the European i 
dominions of the Eastern empire. After the final 1 
and unsuccessful termination of those wonderful ex- 
peditions, the Turks gradually regained their strength 
and possessions, and concentrated a power which was 
destined to obliterate the last vestige of the imperial 
sway of the Romans. 

Questions.— 1. What happened in the East, after the 

Crusades ? 



HISTORY MIDDLE AGES. 121 

2. Fresh hordes of Turks inundated the fairest 
portions of Asia Minor, and swelled the forces of 
those already in possession. Among the seven inde- 
pendent chieftains, or Emirs, who conducted the 
progress of this fierce race, Othman (from whom 
the Turks derived the name of Ottomans) was far the 
most powerful. He pursued a victorious career of 
twenty-seven years, and finally, after the conquest of 
the most of Syria and Asia Minor, concentrated the 
sole command in his own person. A. C. 1 300 to 1327. 

3. He was succeeded by his son Orcan, under 
whom the Turks, after the reduction of Pnisium, 
Nicomedia, and Nice, crossed the Straits of Constan- 
tinople, and carried their arms into Europe. When 
Orcan died, in the year 1360, many important places 
in Thrace, and the city of Adrianople, had fallen into 
their hands. 

4. Having thus obtained a foothold, they continued 
for a series of years — which present an uninterrupted 
scene of warfare — to add to their conquests, untij, 
imder the reign of Bajazet I., surnamed Ilderim, or 
Lisfhtnino^, the Turkish encroachments had so re- 
duced the Eastern emphe, that its limits scarcely ex- 
tended beyond the suburbs of the city of Constan- 
tinople. A. C. 1396. 

Questions. — 2. What is said of the Turks in Asia Minor ? 
Who was their most powerful chieftain, and wliat is said of 
him ? 8. Who succeeded him ? What is said of the Turks, 
under Orcan? 4. What is said of the years succeeding 
Orcan? 

11 



122 HISTOKY — MIDDLE AGES. 

5. Everything appeared, at this period, to an- 
nounce the downfal of Constantinople itself. But 
this catastrophe was delayed by the appearance from 
the East of a far more formidable conqueror than 
Bajazet, who was now forced to defend himself. The 
renowned and terrible Timurbek, better known as 
Tamerlane, a prince of the Usbek Tartars, after hav- 
ing conquered India, Persia, and a portion of Syria, 
now poured his barbarous warriours upon the plains 
of Asia Minor. 

6. Bajazet hastened to oppose this formidable war- 
riour with a large army. A great battle was fought 
near Ancyra, in Phrygia, which, after three days in- 
cessant slaughter, resulted in the triumph of Tamer- 
lane. A. C. 1402. Bajazet, having been taken 
prisoner, was confined by the conqueror in an iron 
cage, where, one or two years after, he died. 

7. Tamerlane soon after this returned to his own 
dominions, and the Turks, recovering from their de- 
feat, in a short time reappeared in the field of con- 
quest, as powerful as ever. The pacific reign of 
Mahomet I., who died in 1421, was followed by that 
of Amuret II., who, in the decisive battle of Varna, 
in 1444, deprived the city of Constantinople of al- 
most its last resource ; and, finally, the sceptre pass- 

QuESTioNs. — 5. What appeared to be inevitable at this 
period ? What delayed the event ? What is said of Tamer- 
lane ? 6. How did Bajazet act, and what was the result ? 
What became of Bajazet ? 7. What became of Tamerlane, and 
what was the subsequent course of the Turks ? 



HISTORY ^riDDLE AGES. 123 

ins: into the hands of Mahomet II., determined the 
fate of the Eastern empire. 

8. It was in vain that the emperom-, Constantine 
Paleologus, exercised all his prudence and intrepidity 
against the bold and ambitious Sultan of the Turks. 

o 

The last day of the Eastern empire of the Romans 
had arrived. The city of Constantinople fell, after 
a most bloody resistance, into the hands of the 
Turks, and was given up to rapine and plunder. 
A. C. 1453. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Illustrious Men of the Middle Ages. 

1. During the greater portion of the Middle 
Ages, literature and the knowledge of the sciences 
were confined principally to the clergy ; and amidst 
the general, and almost constant, state of turbulence 
and warfare which the unsettled elements of society 
produced at that eventful period, learning sought in 
the sacred seclusion of the monasteries, or convents, 
a secure and cherished home. To them, under the 
careful guardianship of the monks, whose noble ef- 
forts in the cause of instruction, and whose unheard- 

QuESTioxs. — 8. What was the fate of Constantinople and the 
Eastern Empire ? 1. What is said of literature and science 
during the Middle Ages ? For what are we indebted to the 
monasteries and the monks ? 



124: HISTOET — ^MEDDLE AGES. 



of labours in the transcription of books, have given 
them a title to the gratitude and admiration of all 
succeeding time, we are indebted for all the monu- 
ments we possess of ancient literature and science. 

2. One accustomed to read of this period as one 
of unmitigated darkness and degrading ignorance, 
will be astonished to discover the brilliant catalogue 
of distinguished men who illustrated its annals by 
their efforts in the progress of civilization ; and we 
conclude this period of our " Outlines" with a brief 
notice of a few of the most prominent. 

3. Beginning with the last portion of the Fifth 
Century after Christ, when the Middle Ages com- 
mence, we find Simplicius distinguished as a philoso- 
pher, and St, Sidonius eminent for his learning, 

4. In the Sixth Century flourished the renowned 
warriours, Belisarius and Narses ; and its annals are 
illustrated by the writings of St. Ceesarius, St. Ful- 
gentius, Boetius, and of the distinguished historians, 
Procopius, Gildas, and St. Gregory of Tours. 

5. In the Seventh Century lived the warriours Phil- 
ipicus and Amri ; the distinguished statesmen, Leger 
and Ebroin ; Isidorus, of Seville, and Marculf, illus- 
trious for their learning ; St. Gregory the Great, 
Pope of Rome ; and St. Augustine, first Archbishop 

Questions, — 2, What will be discovered with astonishment 
by certain persons ? 3, What distinguished men lived towards 
the close of the Fifth Century ? 4, What distinguished per- 
sons flourished in the Sixth Century ? 5, What distinguished 
persons flourished in the Seventh Century? 



I 



HISTORY — I^nDDLE AGES. 125 

of Canterbury ; the poet, St. Fortunatus ; and Cal- 
linicus, the chemist. 

6. In the Eighth Century flourished the distin- 
guished Pepin D'Heristel, and Charles Martel, ilhis- 
trious as statesmen and warriours ; the noble doctor 
and historian, known as the Venerable Bede ; St. 
Zachary, Pope of Rome ; St. Boniface, Apostle of 
Germany ; and St. John Damascene, Doctor of the 
Church. 

T. The Ninth Century was illustrated by the bril- 
liant careers of Charlemagne, of France, and Alfred 
the Great, of England ; by the writings of the histo- 
rians, Paul of Aquileia, and Eginhard ; and by the 
learning and erudition of Alcuin ; John Scot ; Lupus, 
Abbot of Ferriers ; George Syncella, and Anastatius, 
the Librarian. 

8. In the Tenth Century flourished the distin- 
guished warriours, Bardas, and Geoffery, Count of An- 
jou ; the historians, Frovard, Eutychius, and Luit- 
prandus ; and St. Bruno, of Cologne ; Leo, the Phi- 
losopher ; and Eudes, of Cluni, illustrious for their 
eminent learning. 

9. In the Eleventh Century lived the historians, 
Leo, the Grammarian ; Herman, the Short ; Glabar 
and Adam, of Bremen, and Abbo ; Pope Sylvester 
II., Fulbert, of Chartres ; St. Peter Damian ; Pope 
St. Gregory YII. (Hildebrand), and Landfranc, all 

Questions. — 6. What distinguished persons flourished in 
the Eightli Century ? 7. In the Ninth Century ? 8. In the 
Tenth Century ? 9. In the Eleventh Century ? 
11-^ 



126 HISTOKY :MrDDLE AGES. 

illustrious for their great learning. The leading war- 
riours and statesmen of this period have already been 
mentioned as participators in the first Crusade, which 
took place towards the end of this century. 

10. In the Twelfth Century flourished Abbot Se- 
gur, and Thibault, Count of Blois, eminent as states- 
men; Hugli, of Flavini ; Sigebert; Nestor; William, 
of Malmesbury ; Otho, of Freysing ; Wilham, of 
Tyre ; and Peter, of Blois, distinguished as historians ; 
and Anselm, of Canterbury ; Yvo, of Chartres ; Wil- 
ham, of Champeaux ; Hugh, of St. Victor ; Abelard ; 
Peter, the Venerable; Peter Lombard; and John, 
of Salisbury, eminent for their learning. 

11. The Thirteenth Century witnessed the military 
renown of the warriours, Chatillon, Couci, and Mat- 
thew, of Montmorency ; the writings of the historians, 
Roger Howden, Peter des Vaux, Matthew Paris, 
Ville Hardouin, Inglebert and Thomas Wick ; the 
profound learning of Roger Bacon, Abbot Joachim, 
the great St. Thomas Aquinas, Richard Middleton, 
and Alain, of Lisle ; and the poetry of Thibault, of 
Champaigne ■ William, of Lorris, and John, of Me- 
ung. 

12. The Fourteenth Century was rendered illus- 
trious by the patriotic deeds of William Tell, the lib- 
erator of Switzerland ; and of William Wallace and 
Robert Bruce, of Scotland ; by the military achieve- 

QuESTioNs. — 10. "What distinguished persons flourished in 
the Twelfth Century? 11. In the Thirteenth Century? 12. 
In the Fourteenth Century ? 



HISTORY MroDLE AGES. 127 

ments of the Black Prince, Du Guesclin, Clisson, and 
John de Montfort; by the historical writings of 
Joinville, John Cantaciizenus, Matthew, of West- 
minster, and Sir John Froissart ; by the learning of 
William Oakham and Buridan, and by the poetry of 
Dante, Petrarch, and Chaucer. 

13. The Fifteenth Centmy, during which the 
Middle Ages close, witnessed the military achieve- 
ments of D'Armagnac, Talbot, Scanderbeg, and War- 
wick ; the learning of Alain Chartier, the piety of 
Thomas a Kempis, the poetry of Gower and Chate- 
laine, and the enterprise of Faust and Schseffer, the 
first printers, and of Christopher Columbus, the dis- 
coverer of America. 



Questions. — 13. What distinguislied persons flourislied in 
the Fifteenth Century ? 



128 HISTORY MODEEN. 

PAET THIRD. 

MODERN HISTORY. 

CHAPTER I. 

1. According to the division of history which we 
have adopted, Modern History reaches from the ex- 
tinction of the Eastern Empire, in the year 1453, 
down to the present time. 

2. Immediately after the downfal of the Eastern 
Empire, in 1453, the progress of improvement in 
manners, hteratm-e, science, and art, which had been 
long making a certain and gradual advancement, re- 
ceived a most wonderful acceleration. The Crusades 
had awakened a spirit of enterprise ; — Chivalry had 
refined the manners and the morals of men ; — Com- 
merce had commenced to stimulate the energies and 
form the tastes of Europe, and had poured its wealth 
and magnificence into the Italian cities of Venice, „ 
Genoa, and Pisa ; and the association of the Hanse i 
Towns, embracing most of the commercial cities of 
Europe, had opened a brilhant era in European 
progress. 



Questions. — 1. When does Modern History commence? 2. 
What is said of the progress of improvement after the fall of 
the Eastern Empire ? What is said of it up to that period ? 



HISTOKY MODERN. 129 

3. In tlie midst of these favourable auspices, the 
mariner's compass, gunpowder, and the art of print- 
ing were invented, followed by the discovery of 
America, and of a maritime passage to India round 
the Cape of Good Hope — events which gave renewed 
life and vitality to the restless spirit of the age, and 
opened an interminable field to the growing and ar- 
dent struggles of enterprise. 

4. The munificent and liberal patronage bestowed, 
at Rome and throughout Europe, at this period, upon 
science, literature, and art, contributed, also, to 
quicken in every direction the energies of the mind, 
and opened up new sources of ambitious exertion. 

5. Thus commenced the present progressive move- 
ment ; which, although retarded at several periods 
since by religious divisions and destructive wars, has 
never been stayed in its onward march. The fuU 
and steady light of refinement and civilization is now 
beaming with a constantly increasing lustre upon 
almost every quarter of the globe. 

6. The most powerful kingdoms of Em'ope, at the 
present time, are France, England, Austria, Russia, 
and Prussia. The kingdoms of lesser power are 
Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. 
It is our intention to speak of all of these before 

Questions. — 3. What happened in the midst of this state 
of things ? 4. What further exerted a beneficial influence at 
this period? 5. What is said of the progressive movement 
thus commenced ? 6. What are tlae most powerful kingdoms 
of Europe ? What are those of lesser power ? 



130 HISTORY — MODEEN. 

touching the History of America ; as, also, to glance 
at the German and Italian States, Poland, the Neth- 
erlands, Scotland, Ireland, and Tm^key. 

'7. Most of the modern kingdoms of Europe, how- 
ever, date their early history and commencement 
during the Middle Ages, the most prominent features 
only of which period have already been given. It 
will be necessary, therefore, in order to give a com- 
plete outline, to take up the history of those king- 
doms at a period much earlier than that which marks 
the commencement of Modern History. 



CHAPTER II. 

FEANCE. 

SECTION I. 

Its Early History — Merovingian Kings — Carlovingian 
Kings— from 234 A. C, to QSY. 

1. France anciently bore the name of Gaul, 
which, in addition to its modern dimensions, com- 
prised the Netherlands and the Western parts of' 
Germany. It derived its modern name of France < 

Questions. — 7. What is said of most of the modern king- 
doms of Europe ? What, therefore, will be necessary ? 1. i 
What is said of France, anciently ? What is the origin of its 
modern name ? 



HISTOET MODERN. 131 

I from a mixed multitude of various tribes, inhabiting 
the country between the Rhine and the Weser, who, 
when Germany was invaded by the Romans, united 
in defence of their common country, and styled 

i themselves Franks, or Free Men. 

! 2. The Franks, between the year 234 A. C, when 
they made their first iriiiption into Gaul, and the 
year 420 A. C, were, with but occasional interrup- 
tion, in fierce opposition to the power of the Roman 
emperours. At the last-mentioned period, however, 
they obtained, under their leader, Pharamond, a per- 
manent footing in the province. 

3. Pharamond was succeeded, in 427 A. C, by 
his putative son, Clodion, who, after a reign of 
twenty-one years, left the throne to Merovaeus, from 
whom the first race of the French kings takes the 
name of Merovingian. 

4. Childeric I., who succeeded his father, Mero- 
vaeus, after a turbulent reign, left the kingdom to 
Clovis, who is propei-ly considered the founder of the 
French monarchy. A. C. 481. 

5. Clovis having married Clotilda, a Christian prin- 
cess, was converted by her pious endeavom'S to Chris- 
tianity, an event which was followed by the conversion 
of his subjects. He made Paris the seat of his gov- 

Qttestions. — 2. What is said of the Franks ? When did 
they obtain a permanent footing in Gaul ? 3. Who succeeded 
Phai'amond ? 4. Wlio succeeded Merovseus ? Who is prop- 
erly considered the founder of the French monarchy ? 5. 
What is said of Clovis ? 



132 HISTORY MODEEN. 

ernment, and published the Salique law, excluding 
females from succession to the throne. 

6. From the death of Clovis, in 511 A. C, to the ( 
year 688 A. C, there were twelve kings of the Mero- 
vingian line, whose reigns were marked with mucTi 1 
discord and bloodshed. At the latter period, how- 
ever, during the reign of Thierry, Pepin d'Heristel, 1 
the Mayor of the Palace, or chief officer in the king- , 
dom, acquired absolute authority, which he retained i 
for many years — the king being so merely in name. , 

Y. Charles Martel succeeded his father, Pepin, ini 
supreme authority. He is distinguished for having < 
stopped the tide of Saracen conquest, by signally^ 
defeating the Mahometans, who had overrun Spain, i 
and passed the Pyrenees, in the celebrated battle 
between Tours and Poictiers. A. C. '732. 

8. Charles Martel was succeeded in power by hisi 
son, Pepin le Bref, or, the Short, Childeric III. I 
being the nominal king. Pepin, being wily and am-i 
bitious, soon succeeded in having the crown placed ( 
on his own head, to the exclusion of Childeric andi 
his sons, and thus put an end to the Merovingian 
race of kings. A. C. 152. 

9. Pepin, who was the founder of the second, on 

Questions. — 6. "What is said of tlie period immediately suO" 
ceeding Clevis ? "What happened in the year 688 A. C. ? 7. ' 
"Who succeeded Pepin ? For what is Charles Martel distin-' 
guished? 8. Who succeeded Charles Martel ? "What is said i 
of Pepin le Bref? 9. Of what race is Pepin the foimder? 
"Who were his immediate successors ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 133 

Carlovingian race of kings (so called from Charles 
Martel, the father of Pepin), was succeeded by his 
sons Charles and Carloman. The latter soon after 
dying, the undi\ided sovereignty devolved on Charles, 
who is known in history as the celebrated Charle- 
magne, or Charles the Great. A. C. 111. 

10. Charlemagne was by far the greatest monarch 
of his age, and pm-sued a splendid career of victoiy, 
which, in the com-se of thirty years, extended his 
dominion over France, the Netherlands, Germany, 
Switzerland, a large portion of Italy, and a part of 
Spain. So extensive were his conquests, that he 
was solemnly crowned Emperour of the West by 
Pope Leo III., at Rome. A. C. 800. 

11. After the death of Charlemagne, the empire 
was divided into three monarchies — France, Ger- 
many, and Italy. The history of his successors pre- 
sents a sad contrast to the brilhant career of Charle- 
magne — presenting nothing but a series of catastro- 
phes, until the supreme power was finally obtained 
by Hugh the Great, the most powerful nobleman of 
France, in the reigns of Louis IV. and Lothaire. 

12. Hugh the Great was succeeded in power by 
his son Hugh Capet, during the reign of Louis V. 
On the death of that monarch, Hugh Capet usurped 

Questions. — 10. "Wliat is said of Charlemagne, and the ex- 
tent of his empire? 11. What happened after the death of 
Cliarlemagne? What is said of his successors? 12. Who 
succeeded Hugh the Great ? What happened on the death 
of Louis V. ? 

12 



134 HISTORY MODERN. 

the throne, and terminated the Carlovingian dynasty. 
He was the founder of the third or Capetian race of 
French kings. A. C. 987. 



SECTION II. 

Capetian Kings, from Hugh Capet to Philip VI., of Valois. 
From A. G. 981, to 1328. 

1. Hugh Capet, the head of the Capetian hne, 
was an able and pohtic sovereign, during whose 
reign, which lasted nine years, the boundaries of the 
kingdom were extended, and several important regu- 
lations introduced. 

2. He was succeeded by his son Robert, who, 
after a comparatively tranquil reign of thirty-five 
years, was succeeded by his son Henry I. A. C. 
1031. 

3. Henry I. was succeeded, after a reign of 
twenty-one years, by his son Philip I., during whose 
reign the first Crusade was preached by Peter the 
Hermit. 

4. Louis YI., son of Philip L, ascended the throne 
in the year 1108, and was distinguished as an ac- 
compHshed sovereign. His reign was signalized by 

Questions. — 1. What is said of Hugh Capet ? 2. Who suc- 
ceeded him ? 8. Who succeeded Henry I. ? What happened 
in his reign ? 4. Who succeeded Philip I. ? What is said of 
him and his reign ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 135 

a war with Henry I., of England, in which the latter 
was aided by Henry V., Emperoiu' of Germany. 

5. He was succeeded by his son Louis VII., in 
1137, Avho, as we have seen, led the second Crusade. 
Louis having divorced his wife, Eleanor, heiress of 
Guienne, she shortly after married Henry Plantage- 
net, who subsequently becoming Henry 11. of Eng- 
land, the rich duchy of Guienne became added to 
the dominions of the English crown in France. 

6. Philip II., surnamed Augustus, succeeded to the 
throne in 1180. He was a most able and accom- 
phshed sovereign, though possessing many faults. 
His reign was signalized by the expulsion of the 
Jews from his dominions, and the confiscation of their 
property ; the third Crusade, in which he united with 
Richard Goeur de Lion and Frederick Barbarossa ; 
and a war with John of England, who was aided by 
Otho IV. of Germany, in which Phihp Augustus 
was completely successful. After a splendid reign 
of forty-three years, he left the kingdom about twice 
as large as when he found it. 

v. Philip Augustus was succeeded by his son 
Louis VIIL, surnamed the Lion, on account of his 
valour. He seized upon all the possessions of the 
English on the Continent, as far as the Garonne. 

Questions. — 5. Who succeeded Louis VI. ? What is said 
of Louis VII. and his wife Eleanor ? 6. Who succeeded Louis 
VII. ? What is said of Philip Augustus and his reign ? 7. 
Who succeeded Philip Augustus ? What is said of him and 
his reign 1 



136 HISTORY MODERN. 

His reign was also signalized by an expedition against 
the Albio^enses, whose movements had convulsed the 
South of France. 

8. St. Louis IX. ascended the throne in 1226, at 
the age of twelve years. During his minority the 
government was conducted under the regency of his 
mother, a most accomplished princess. St. Louis 
was eminently distinguished for his benevolence, 
piety, and purity of hfe, and combined in his char- 
acter all the noblest qualities that can adorn a mon- 
arch. As we have seen, he engaged in the sixth 
and seventh Crusades, during the progress of the 
last of which he died near Tunis. 

9. Phihp IIL, surnamed the Bold, succeeded his 
father in 1270, and continued the Crusade against 
the Saracens in Africa, until he compelled the King 
of Tunis to submit to terms favourable to the Chris- 
tians. 

10. He was succeeded in 1285 by Philip IV., 
surnamed the Fair. During his reign a revolt in 
Flanders was subdued after a bloody struggle, and 
the celebrated order of Knights Templars was sup- 
pressed, in consequence of the corruptions and abuses 
which had for a lonof time disfjraced the institution. 

11. Philip IV. was succeeded by Louis X., who 
reigned only two years. His posthumous child, John 

Questions. — 8. Who succeeded Louis VIII. ? What is said 
of St. Louis IX. ? 9. Wlio succeeded St, Louis IX. ? 10. 
Who succeeded Philip III. ? What happened during his 
reign ? 11. Who succeeded Philip IV. ? 



HISTORY — ^MODEEN. 137 

I., died four days after being acknowledged king, and 
the brother of Phihp IV., who was acting as regent, 
succeeded under the title of Phihp V. His reign 
was marked by a persecution of the Jews. 

12. Charles lY. succeeded PhiUp V. ; and, after 
a reign of six years, died without issue ; and thus 
tenninated the Capetian race of kings. A. C. 1328. 



SECTION III. 

Branch of Valois, commencing with Philip VIL, and ending 
with Charles VIII. From A. C. 1328, to 1498. 

1. John I., Philip V., and Charles lY., ha\ing 
left no male heirs, the throne devolved on Philip of 
Yalois, the cousin of the late king, who assumed the 
title of Philip YI. The succession, however, was 
claimed by Edward III., of England, in right of his 
mother, Isabella, the daughter of Philip lY. — a 
claim that produced those long and bloody contests 
between France and England, which are so famous 
in the history of those countries. 

2. During the reign of Philip YL, the English 

Questions. — 12. Who succeeded Pliilip V. ? What was the 
effect of his dying without male issue ? 1. Who succeeded 
Charles IV. ? By whom was the succession claimed, and what 
•was the consequence ? 2. What happened during the reign 
ofPhHipVL? 

12* 



138 HISTORY MODERN. 

monarch, in prosecuting his claim to the crown of 
France, was signally successful in his military en- 
gagements. He forced his way as far as Paris, 
gained a great victory over Philip at Cressy, and 
subsequently besieged and took Calais. A. C. 1347. 

3. Philip VI. was succeeded, in 1350, by his son, 
John XL, a good but most unfortunate monarch. 
He was utterly defeated by the Enghsh, under the 
Black Prince, at Poic tiers, in 1356, and carried a 
prisoner to London, where he died in 1364. 

4. He was succeeded by his son, Charles V., sur- 
namod the Wise, a prudent and sagacious sovereign. 
His reign was rendered illustrious by the achieve- 
ments of the celebrated general, De Guesclin. The 
French, under that able commander, recovered al- 
most all the places conquered by the English. 

5. Charles VI. succeeded the late king, his father, 
in 1380, at the age of twelve years, under the re- 
gency of his uncle, the Duke of Anjou. His unfor- 
tunate reign was distracted by civil wars, during 
which Henry V., of England, invaded France, and 
gained the famous victory of Agincourt. A. C. 1415. 

6. Charles VII. succeeded to the throne in 1422. 
His claim to the crown being disputed by Henry VI., 
of England, the war was renewed with great vigour. 

Questions. — 3. Who succeeded Philip VI. ? What hap- 
pened during his reign ? 4. Wlio succeeded John II. ? Wliat 
rendered his reign illustrious ? 5. Who succeeded Charles 

V. ? What is said of his reign ? 6. Who succeeded Charles 

VI. ? What happened during this reign ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 139 

and Charles was reduced to the most desperate ex- 
tremities. At this crisis, however, an obscure coun- 
try girl, twenty-seven years of age, Joan of Arc, 
otherwise called the Maid of Orleans, turned the 
tide of victory. Claiming to be divinely commissioned, 
she placed herself at the head of the armies of France, 
and by her address and intrepidity overthrew the 
power of the English. She was subsequently, how- 
ever, taken by the latter, and burnt alive at Rouen. 
A. C. 1431. 

7. Louis XI. succeeded Charles YIL, in 1461. 
Though the author of several wise laws and regula- 
tions, his character was distinguished for cunning, 
dishonesty, and cruelty. His nobles, exasperated by 
his overbearing tyi'anny, revolted, and produced a 
civil war, called the war of the pubhc good. 

8. Charles VIII. succeeded his father in 1483, at 
the age of thirteen, under the regency of his sister, 
Anne of Beaugeau. He was a mild, affable, and 
com-teous monarch. During his reign he effected the 
conquest of Naples, which kingdom had been claimed 
by his father. He reigned fifteen years, and died 
without issue. A. C. 1498. 



Questions. — 7. Who succeeded Charles VII. ? What is 
said of Louis XI. ? 8. Who succeeded Louis XL ? What is 
said of Charles VIIL? 



140 HISTOEY MODEEN. 



SECTION IV. 

Branch of Orleans, commencing with Louis XIL, A. C. 1498 
and ending loith Henry III., A. C. 1589. 

1. Charles VIII., the last of the direct line of the 
house of Valois, having died without issue, the crown 
devolved upon the Duke of Orleans, the great-grand- 
son of Charles V., v/ho assumed the title of Louis 
XII. This monarch was a just and beneficent ruler ; 
and, by relieving his subjects from many burdens 
under which they had laboured, obtained the title of 
" The Father of his People." In his mihtary enter- 
prises he was finally unsuccessful, though his armies 
were led by the celebrated Chevalier Bayard and 
Gaston de Foix. 

2. Louis XIL was succeeded, in 1515, by his ne- 
phew, Francis L, a most accomplished prince, a bold, 
ardent, and enterprising warriour, and a munificent 
patron of hterature. On the death of Maximilian, 
Emperour of Germany, in 1519, Francis, and Charles, 
King of Spain, afterwards Charles Y. of Germany, 
became rival claimants for the imperial throne of Ger- 
many. The ambition of Francis was foiled, and 
Charles was elevated to the coveted throne. This 
gave rise to a fierce war between the two monarchs. 

Questions. — 1. Upon whom did the crown devolve on the 
death of Charles VIII. ? What is said of Louis XII. ? 2. Who 
succeeded Louis XII. ? What happened on the death of 
Maximilian of Germany 2 



HISTORY MODERN. 141 

which lasted more than twenty years. It finally ter- 
mmated in favour of Charles : and soon after peace 
was restored, Francis died. A. C. 1547. 

3. Francis I. was succeeded by his son, Henry II., 
who, without possessing the talents of his father, re- 
sembled him in many respects. Thirteen years of 
his reign w^ere spent in war with Charles V. of Ger- 
many, and Philip II. of Spain, which was ended by 
the treaty of Chateau Cambresis. During this reign, 
Calais, which had been in possession of the Eng- 
lish ever since the reign of Philip VI., when it Avas 
taken by Edward III. of England, was recovered by 
the French. 

4. Henry II. was succeeded, in 1559, by his son, 
Francis II., who was the first husband of the unfor- 
tunate Mary, Queen of Scots. He reigned but one 
year, and was succeeded by his brother, Charles IX., 
a boy ten years old, under the regency of his mother, 
Catherine de Medicis. 

5. At this time, the Protestant religion, which had 
been first promulgated in Germany during the reign 
of Charles V., had gained many adherents in France, 
and counted among its leaders the Prince of Conde 
and Admiral Coligny. Much hostility had been man- 
ifested towards the Protestants by the government, 
under the Guises, during; the short reiofn of Francis 

QuESTioNSi^T— 3. Who succeeded Francis I. ? What happened 
daring his reign ? 4. Who succeeded Henry II. ? Who suc- 
ceeded Francis II. ? 5. What is said of the Protestant reli- 
gion at this time ? 



142 HISTORY MODERN. 

11. ; and the conspiracy of Amboise, which the Prot- 
estants had then formed against the king and the 
Cathohc leaders, and which had been discovered and 
frustrated, caused that hostihty to increase, and was 
the origin of severe measvu-es. 

6. Two years after the accession of Charles IX., 
the Protestants revolted against the government, and 
the horrours of civil war, aggravated by murders and 
assassinations on both sides, reigned throughout 
France. At length, after many contests and much 
bloodshed, the unnatural warfare was crowned by an i 
awful and barbarous act of cruelty, on the part of t 
the government. This was the simultaneous mas- 
sacre of a large number of the principal Protestants 
throughout France, on the night of St. Bartholomew's 
Day, August 23d, 1572. 

1. Charles IX. was succeeded, in 1574, by his 
weak brother, Henry HI., during whose reign the sj 
celebrated League was formed by the Duke of Guise 
and the Catholic leaders, for the purpose of defend- 
ing the State against the power of the Protestant 
party, which was led by the Prince of Conde, and 
Henry, King of Navarre. After a distracted reign 
of fifteen years, Henry III. was assassinated by James 
Clement, a fanatic friar, and with him ended the Or- 
leans branch of the house of Valois. A. C. 1589. 

Questions. — 6. What happened two years after the acces- 
sion of Charles IX. ? What was the result ? 7. Who suc- 
ceeded Charles IX. ? What happened during this reign 3 
What was its termination ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 143 



SECTION V. 

House of Bourbon, from the Accession of Henry IV., A. C. 
1589, to that of Louis XVI., Ill4t. 

1 . The house of Valois having become extinct on 
the death of Henry III., the crown passed to the 
Bourbon branch of the Capetian hne, deriving its 
descent from St. Louis IX., and being the next en- 
titled in the person of Henry III., King of NavaiTe, 
who ascended the throne of France with the title of 
Henry IV., afterwards surnamed the Great. 

2. The accession of Henry IV., who had been 
reared a Protestant, was at first opposed by the 
League, which had been formed during the previous 
reign, and was now led by the Duke of Mayence ; 
but Henry, having overthrown that party in the de- 
cisive battle of Ivri, and having subsequently renounced 
Protestantism and become a Catholic, effectually 
silenced all opposition. By the celebrated Edict of 
Nantes, securing to his Protestant subjects many 
valuable rights and privileges; by his many ti-uly 
royal qualities, and the benefits and blessings which 
his wise and prudent administration conferred on his 
long-afflicted country, he won the love and gratitude 

Questions. — 1. What happened on the death of Henry III. ? 
2. What opposition was made to Henry IV. ? How was this 
opposition silenced ? What is said of Henry IV., and what 
was his fate ? 



144 HISTORY MODEEN. 

of all classes of his subjects. He fell, however, be- 
neath the hand of an assassin named Ravaillac, a ra- 
ving fanatic. A. C. 1610. 

3. Henry IV. was succeeded by his son, Louis 
XIII., at the age of nine years, under the regency 
of his mother, Maiy de Medicis. During the re- 
gency, the kingdom relapsed into the most fatal dis- 
orders ; but Louis, after reaching his majority, en- 
trusted the managem^ent of affairs to the celebrated 
Cardinal Richelieu, his prime minister, who, by his ; 
powerful genius and consummate statesmanship, raised i 
the kingdom to a higher pitch of prosperity than it i 
had ever before attained, and laid the foundation of ! 
the glory of the following reign. 

4. Louis XIV. succeeded his father, the late king, 
in 1643, in the fifth year of his age, under the re- 
gency of his mother, Anne of Austria. During his ■ 
minority Cardinal Mazarin was prime minister; butt 
on the death of that statesman, Louis took personal I 
charge of the government, and entered upon a splen- 
did career, which rendered his reign the most brilliant t 
in the history of France. His armies commanded by 
the celebrated Turenne and Conde, and the finances 
of his kingdom regulated by the abihties of Colbert, 



Questions. — 3. Who succeeded Henry IV. ? What hap^ 
pened during the regency, and after Louis attained his ma- 
jority ? 4. Who succeeded Louis XIII. ? Who was his prime 
minister ? What is said of Louis XIV., and his reign after 
the death of Mazarin ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 145 

enabled him to extend his power by foreign conquest, 
and build up and increase the internal splendour of 
his kingdom. His reign is styled the Augustan age 
of France, and is distinguished for the many illus- 
trious men in every department of literature, art, and 
science, who flourished at the period. 

5. The Edict of Nantes, which had been granted 
by Henry IV. to his Protestant subjects, was revoked 
by Louis XIV. in 1685, on account of the many dis- 
turbances which, under it, the Protestants had ex- 
cited, and the restless and intriguing spirit they had 
constantly manifested. This has been, by many, con- 
sidered an irilpolitic measure, inasmuch as France 
lost, by the emigration of the Protestants in conse- 
quence, a large, industrious*, and useful population. 
But if it was — as the French statesmen of the period 
certainly viewed it — a measure involving the security 
and tranquillity of the kingdom, — disadvantages of 
such a nature should not weigh against it, no matter 
how much we may regret the circumstances which 
rendered so stern a policy necessary. 

6. Louis XIV. reigned seventy-two years, and died 
in the 78th year of his age, in the year 1715. His 
reio-n was the long^est and the most brilliant in the 
history of France. 

1. He was succeeded by his great-grandson, Louis 

Questions. — 5. What Edict was revoked by Louis XIV., 

and why ? How has this measure been considered ? How is 

this objection answered ? 6. How long did Louis XIV. reign, 

and what is said of his reign ? 7. By whom was he succeeded ? 

13 



14:6 HISTORY MODERN. 

XV., in the sixth year of his age, under the regency 
of the Duke of Orleans. During this regency many 
thousands of persons were ruined by the Bank es- 
tablished by Law, a Scottish adventurer, who formed 
a plan, called the Mississippi scheme, for paying off 
the national debt. 

8, On attaining his majority, Louis XV. chose for 
his prime minister the excellent Cardinal Fleur}?-, who 
for twenty years, by his wise and prudent counsels, 
maintained the peace of France and the rest of Eu- 
rope. After the death of that virtuous minister, 
France became involved in the war of the Austrian 
Succession, which broke out on the •death of the 
Emperour Charles VI. The rival claimants to the 
vacant throne were Maria Theresa, Queen of Hun- 
gary and daughter of the late Emperour, and Charles, 
Elector of Bavaria : the former supported by Eng- 
land, and the latter by France and Prussia. The 
contest, after a struggle of seven years, resulted in 
favour of Maria Theresa, and peace was concluded 
by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. A.C. 1748. 

9. Seven years after this, France and England be- 
came engaged in a war on account of the boundaries 
of their colonies in America, It was terminated by 

Questions. — What occurred during the regency ? 8. Whom 
did Louis XV. choose as his minister ? What happened 
after the death of Cardinal Fleury ? Who were the claimants 
of the Austrian tlirone ? What was the result of the war ? 
9. What happened seven years after the Peace of Aix-la- 
Chapelle ? How did this war terminate ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 147 

a treaty, at Paris, in 1*763, by which France ceded 
her most valuable North American possessions to 
England. 

10. Louis XV. died in 1774, having ruled fifty- 
nine years. A great portion of his reign was marked 
by tyrannical exactions, odious measures, and destruc- 
tive prodigality, which paved the way to the terrible 
convulsions that, during the reign of his unfortunate 
successor, shattered the monarchy into dust, and 
shook every throne in Em-ope to its base. 



SECTION VI. 
From the Accession of Louis XVI., A. C. 1774, to 1851. 



1. Louis XVI. succeeded his grandfather, the late 
King, in 1774, at the age of twenty years. Pure 
and upright in liis intentions ; virtuous, moral, and 
benevolent in his character, and desirous of promo- 
ting the welfare and happiness of his subjects, this 
most unfortunate monarch succeeded to a position 
beset on every side with difficulties and dangers of 
the most trying and appalling character. Thpse — 
growing out of the tyranny, abuses, and prodigality 
which marked the careej; of his predecessor — needed 



Questions. — 10. When did Louis XV. die, and what is said 
of his reign ? 1. What is said of Louis XVI., and the diffi- 
culties he had to encounter ? 



148 HISTORY MODERN. 

the control of a firmer hand, a harder heart, and a 
more despotic disposition than Louis XVI. possessed. 

2. The nation immensely in debt, the people goad- 
ed to desperation by unequal taxation, the resources 
of the kingdom utterly exhausted, the state of the 
finances presenting a frightful deficiency, which could 
be supplied only by still more grinding exactions 
from the already impoverished subjects, added to 
the spread of irreligion and immorality infusing their 
pernicious influence through every department of 
society, presented a combination of evils, portentous 
of the terrible tornado which was about to sweep 
over the devoted monarchy. 

3. Perceiving the distressing and threatening as- 
pect of public affairs, Louis XVL commenced his 
reign by kingly acts of munificence, and measures 
calculated to conciliate the popvilar desires. He re- 
moved from office the most obnoxious persons ; 
appointed in their place able and popular ministers, 
and re-established' the parliaments which had been 
suppressed in the previous reign. The affairs of the 
kingdom, however, were desperate. Turgot, at the 
head of the finance, in attempting his reforms, be- 
came obnoxious to the privileged classes, and was 
forced to retire. The celebrated Neckar succeeded 
him, and shared the same fate ; and the department 



Questions,— 2. What was tlie state of France at tliis period ? 
3. How did Louis XVI. commence his reign ? What is said 
of Turgot, Neckar, and Calonne ? 



HISTOKY MODERK. 149 

passed into the hands of Calonne, who, abandoning 
the economy of his predecessors, sought the safety 
of the State in a show of prodigahty. 

4. All this, however, did not allay the irritable 
state of pubhc feehng, and the restless and feverish 
desire for a change. In the midst of this, the Ameri- 
can Revolution broke out, and the French Govern- 
ment, at the solicitation of the struggling Colonies, 
aided them in their effort to throw off the British 
yoke. On the return of peace, in 1783, the embar- 
rassments of- the kingdom were, as a natural conse- 
quence, greatly increased, and the passions and feel- 
ings of the people roused by the spirit of liberty and 
independence which had characterized the glorious 
movements in America. 

5. At length, after various attempts to extricate 
the kingdom from its embarrassments, the States- 
General — a body consisting of deputies from the 
three orders, the Nobility, Clergy, and Common 
People — was convoked. The ratio of representation 
to this great assembly was so fixed, that the revolu- 
tionary party obtained in it a decided ascendancy. 
The natural result soon followed. The Revolutionists 
changed the title of the body to that of the National 
Assembly ; and, in carrying out their first acts, th«y, 
in effect, wrested from the King the greater part of 

Questions. — 4. What was the effect of these measures ? What 
event happened at this time ? What was the effect of the 
American Eevohition ? 5. What happened at length ? What 
was done by the i; evolutionists in the States-General? 
13* 



150 HISTORY MODERN. 

his authority, and deprived the NobiUty of their 
privileges. 

6. Great disorders immediately followed. Paris 
became the scene of friofhtful insuiTCctions — diirinar 
which the State-prison, called the Bastile, was razed 
to the gromid ; and the lanes, alleys, cellars, and 
filthy purlieus of the crowded city poured forth the 
disgusting forms of the vilest and most abandoned 
wretches of both sexes, whose crimes and horrid 
excesses cannot be contemplated without a shudder. 

7. The National Assembly, after effecting changes 
of the most radical character, undertook to form a 
Constitution, and Avas thence called the Constituent 
Assembly. At this time the King attempted to fly 
from the kingdom, but Avas arrested. A Constitu- 
tion was shortly after determined on, which being 
accepted by the King, the Constituent Assembly 
adjourned September 30th, 1*791. 

8. The revolution had only commenced. The 
Legislative Assembly next met; and, its delibera- 
tions influenced and swayed by the fierce revolution- 
ary spirit of the celebrated Jacobin Club, the most 
violent and proscriptive measures were adopted. 

9. On the 21st of September, 1792, a new body, 
styled the National Convention, met, and commenced 

Questions. — 6. "What immediately followed ? 7. What did 
the National Assembly next attempt, and what occurred? 
8. What was the title of the next Assembly, and what is said 
of it? 9. When did the National Convention meet, and what 
did it do ? 



HISTORY ^MODEEN. 161 

their action by abolishing the regal government, and 
declared France a Republic. This Assembly, swayed 
by monsters in the shape of men — Marat, Danton, 
Robespierre, and their confederates — thirsted for the 
blood of the innocent King. He was accordingly 
arraigned, and condemned by that infamous tribunal 
to suffer death by the guillotine. He was executed 
January 21st, I'ZQS. His Queen, the celebrated 
Marie Antoinette, and his \drtuous and noble sister, 
the Princess Elizabeth — the one in October, 1793, 
and the other in May, 1794 — shared the same cruel 
fate. The guillotine, in Paris — and throughout 
France, between 1792 and 1794 — was constantly 
reeking with the best and noblest blood of France ; 
and so numerous were the arrests, and so horrid the 
executions and massacres, that this period is known 
m history as " The Reign of Terrour," Most of the 
demons who acted as leaders of the Revolutionary 
Government at this awful time, in their turn, a very 
short time afterwards, being condemned by rival 
partisans, met death on the guillotine, and paid a 
just penalty for their terrible crimes. 

10. During the "Reign of Terrour," the irreligion 
and impiety which the writings of the French in- 
fidels had infused throughout France became awfully 
apparent. Religion was formally abolished by the 



Questions. — Wliat was the fate of Louis XVI., his Queen 
and sister ? What is said of this period ? 10. What other 
enormities happened during the Eeign of Terrour ? 



152 HISTORY MODERN. 

Government ; Sunday, and every thing pertaining 
to the sacred character of Christianity, incuiTed the 
hate of the Revolutionists, and were obhterated, and 
the abominable worship of the Goddess Reason was 
substituted for the sublime morality and pure dogmas 
of the religion of Christ. 

11. During the progress of the Revolution, several 
constitutions were formed, but each in turn was set 
aside. At length, in 1799, one was formed^ which j 
placed the executive power in the hands of three e 
Consuls — of whom Napoleon Bonaparte — who had at t 
that time acquired a distinguished reputation on ac- 
count of his military talents — was elected the First — 
Cambaceres, the second — and Le Brun, the third. 

12. Previous to this, however, the violent and in- 
temperate course of the Revolutionists had awakened 1 
the fears and enmity of the sovereigns of Europe, ' 
and caused them at different periods to combine their i 
efforts for the purpose of opposing the terrible prog- 
ress of the Revolution, and of reinstating the kingly j 
authority in France. The firet of the series of coali- . 
tions against the French was commenced by Austria i 
and Prussia, in 1792; and they were joined, after ) 
the death of the King, by Great Britain, Holland,!' 
Russia, and Spain. The chief command of the Allies n 
was held by the Duke of Brunswick, who, having} 

H*- 

Questions. — 11. What is said of the Constitutions formed>< 
during the progress of the Eevolution and that in 1799?' 
12. What had happened previous to this? What is said of * 
the first coalition ? What was its fate ? 



HISTORY MODERN . 153 

invaded France, was completely overthrown; and 
the French, under Dumouriez, flushed with their 
success, carried their victorious arms beyond the 
Rhine ; speedily reducing the Netherlands, Holland, 
Switzerland, and a part of Germany, and afterwards 
planted their standards on the plains of Italy. The 
command of the army having been given, in 1Y96, 
to Napoleon Bonaparte, then only twenty-seven years 
of age, the war soon terminated in the complete tri- 
umph of the French by the treaty of Campo Formio, 
in 1797. 

13. After this, Bonaparte invaded Egypt, defeated 
the Mamelukes at the battle of the Pyramids, and 
took possession of Cairo and all the Delta. He pene- 
trated, also, into Syria ; took the city of Jappa, and 
gained the battle of Mount Thabor, but was repulsed 
in his attempts upon Acre. Previous to this, the 
French fleet was completely destroyed by the Eng- 
lish, imder Nelson, in the Bay of Aboukir, ofl" the 
mouth of the Nile, in 1798. Bonaparte, soon after 
his return to Egypt, hastened back to France, where 
he was created First Consul, in 1799. 

14. The second coalition had already been formed ; 
but, though the Allies were commanded by accom- 
plished generals, nothing could resist the activity, 
energy, and talents of Bonaparte. The Austrians, 
under the Archduke Charles, and the Russians, 

Questions. — 13. What is said of Bonaparte after the treaty 
of Campo Formio ? 14. What is said of the second coalition ? 
What was its success and final result ? 



164: HISTORY MODERN. 

under Suwarrow, gained at first many important ad- 
vantages ; but the brilliant and decided victories of 
the French, under Bonaparte, at Marengo, and under 
Moreau, at Holienlinden, led the way to the peace 
of Amiens, in 1802. 

15. During the peace which succeeded the treaty 
of Amiens, Bonaparte, who, as First Consul, exer- 
cised absolute sway over the Republic, procured the 
establishment of many important regulations. He 
published an admirable body of laws, called the Code i 
Napoleon, being a digest of the Civil Law ; restored! 
the Catholic Religion, which had been suppressed! 
during the Revolution, and embellished Paris by; 
the erection of splendid buildings and national monu-i 
ments. 

16. In the mean time he was gradually advancing! 
towards the summit of his ambition. He first caused;! 
himself to be created Consul for life, with supremeii 
power, and subsequently, in 1804, was proclaimed'!' 
Emperour of France, with the title of Napoleon I.^ 
and solemnly crowned by Pope Pius VII. 

lY. During the year previous to his assuming tttei 
imperial sceptre, war broke out afresh between^ 
France and England; and in 1805, the third coaB4i 
tion was formed by England, Austria, Russia, andi 
Sweden. These were afterwards joined by Prussiaj! 
Again Napoleon was victorious. He annihilated th^ 

Questions. — 15. What is said of Bonaparte, after the treaty 
of Amiens ? 16. What happened in tlie mean time ? 17. Whali 
happened during tlie year previous ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 155 

power of the Austrian army at Ulm, overthrew the 
3ombined forces of Russia and Austria in the mem- 
orable battle of Austerlitz, and, in fine, forced his 
snemies to humiliating terms by the treaty of Pres- 
burg. The glory of these splendid successes, how- 
,ever, was someAvhat dimmed by the great naval vic- 
tory gained by the English over the combined fleets of 
•France and Spain, off Cape Trafalgar. In this great 
i battle. Lord Nelson, the English Admiral, was slain. 

18. Napoleon, soon after this, dissolved the Ger- 
man Empire, and formed, by the union of several 
: States, the celebrated " Confederation of the Rhine :" 
I he elevated the Electors of Bavaria, Wurtemburg, 
and Saxony to the rank of kings, and appointed his 
brother Joseph, King of Naples, and his brother 
Louis, King of Holland. 

19. Napoleon had now attained so imposing and 
dangerous a power in Europe, that a fourth coali- 
tion was formed against him, in 1806, by Russia, 
Prussia, Austria, Sweden, and England. The Prus- 
sians commenced hostilities ; but before the Alhed 
Powers could render them assistance. Napoleon, with 
rapid, prompt, and well-timed movements, overthrew 
them in the great battles of Jena and Auerstadt, 
and took possession of Berlin, the capital of Prussia. 

Questions. — What was the result of the third coalition? 
"What dimmed the glory of this success? 18. What were the 
acts of Napoleon soon after ? 19. When, and by what Powers, 
was the fourth coalition formed ? Who commenced hostilities, 
and what was the result ? 



156 HISTORY MODERN. 

20. Subsequently, the French army penetrated 
mto Poland, and defeated the Russians m the obsti- 
nate battle of Pultusk. The next year Napoleon fought 
■with the Russians the battle of Eylau, in which nei- 
ther party was victorious ; defeated them in the bat- 
tle of Friedland f and having taken possession of 
Dantzic and Konigsberg, pursued the retreating Rus- 
sians to the Niemen, and there, on a raft at Tilsit, 
dictated terms of peace to the Russian Emperour, 
June 25th, 1801. 

21. By the peace of Tilsit the King of Prussia lost t 
a large portion of his dominions, and was, in effect, , 
rendered powerless. Alexander, the Russian Emper- - 
our, agreed to concur in Napoleon's great design of f 
excluding British commerce from the Continent ; and 1 
the provinces conquered from Prussia were formed I 
into a separate kingdom, named Westphalia, of which i 
Jerome Bonaparte was made king. 

22. Having thus subdued his enemies at the North, 
Napoleon, elated by his wonderful success, soon di- 
rected his attention to Spain and Portugal. Terrified 
at the threatening measures of the French Emperour, , 
the royal family of the latter kingdom emigrated to ' 
Brazil, in South America ; and Charles IV., King of 
Spain, was compelled to resign his crown in favour 
of Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon. The 

Questions. — 20. What was the course of Napoleon subse- 
quently ? 21. What were some of the features of the peace of 
Tilsit ? 22. Whither did Napoleon now direct his attention, 
and what was the result? 



HISTOEY ^MODERN. 157 

throne of Naples, Avhich had been pre\iously occu- 
pied by Joseph, was, in consequence, granted to 
Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law. 1808. 

23. These high-handed and ambitious measures 
roused the fierce opposition of the Spanish people, 
and caused the celebrated Peninsular War, in which 
the Spaniards were assisted by the English. The 
contest raged from the year 1808 to 1813; during 
which period the allied forces of Spain and England, 
under the command of Sir Arthm* Wellesley — after- 
wards created Duke of Wellington — gained a series 
of splendid victories over the French, the most im- 
portant of which were those of Talavera, Salamanca, 
and Vittoria. 

24. During the Peninsular War, however, Napo- 
leon's attention was divided in consequence of a new 
war, which, in 1809, broke out between Austria and 
France. This war Napoleon conducted in person, 
and, with his usual fortune, was completely success- 
ful. At Abensberg, Eckmuhl, and Ratisbon, he drove 
the Austrians before him, and entered Vienna, the 
Austrian capital. Soon after he fought the desper- 
ate battle of Aspern, or Essling, and entirely de- 
feated the Austrians, under the Archduke Charles, 
at the bloody battle of Wagram. This war \vas, in 
a short time after these successes, concluded by the 

Questions. — 23. What was the consequeuce of »these meas- 
ures? 24. What divided Napoleon's attention during the 
Peninsular War ? What was Napoleon's success in the war 
"with Austria, and how was it concluded? 
14 



168 HISTORY — MODERN. 

treaty of Vienna, by which the Austrian Emperour 
lost large portions of his territory ; and, among other 
humiliating terms, was compelled to promise his 
daughter, Maria Louisa, in marriage to his victorious 
foe. In order to consummate this marriage, Napo- 
leon afterwards procured a divorce from his wife, the 
accomplished and celebrated Empress Josephine. 

25. During the campaign which ended in the vic- 
tory of Wagram, Napoleon authorized a barbarous 
act of tyranny and cruelty, which has left one of the 
foulest blots on his fame, and which, in a remarkable 
manner, became the turning point of his fortune, as 
from that act may be dated his precipitate downfal 
from the summit of power to a desolate and hnger- 
ing captivity. This was the dethronement and im- 
prisonment of the venerable Pope Pius VII., and the 
forcible annexation of the patrimony of St. Peter and 
of the Eternal City to the French Empire — the Pope 
having refused to comply with the arbitrary and un- 
just demands of the imperious conqueror. This event 
took place July 6th, 1809. 

26. The distinguished historian, AHson, concludes 
his account of this infamous transaction with the fol- 
lowing remarkable passage : — " What does the Pope 
mean," said Napoleon to Eugene, in 1807, "by the 
threat of excommunicating me ? Does he think the 
world- has gone back a thousand years? Does he 
suppose the arras will fall from the hands of my sol- 

QuESTioNs. — 25. What happened during the campaign of 
Wagram ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 169 

diers?" Within two years after these remarkable 
words were written, the Pope did excommunicate him, 
in return for the confiscation of his whole dominions, 
and in less than four years more the arras did fall 
from the hands of his soldiers, and the hosts, appa- 
rently invincible, wliich he had collected, were dis- 
persed and ruined by the blasts of winter. He ex- 
torted from the Pope, at Fontainebleau, in 1813, by 
the terrours and exhaustion of a long captivity, a re- 
nunciation of the rights of the Church over the Ro- 
man States ; and within a year after, he himself was 
compelled, at Fontainebleau, to sign the abdication of 
all his dominions. He consigned Cardinal Pacca and 
several other prelates, the courageous counsellors of 
the bull of excommunication, to a dreary imprison- 
ment of four years amid the snows of the Alps ; and 
he himself was shortly after doomed to a painful exile 
of six, on the rock of St. Helena ! " There is some- 
thing," continues Alison, " in these marvellous coin- 
cidences beyond the operations of chance, and which 
even a Protestant historian feels himself bound to 
mark for the observation of future ages. The world 
had not gone back a thousand years ; but that Being 
existed with whom a thousand years are as one day, 
and one day as a thousand years." • 

2Y. In the mean time the restless ambition of the 
French Emperour did not flag. In 1812, whilst yet 

Questions. — 26. What is a remarkable passage quoted from 
Alison, in relation to this transaction ? 27. What was Napo- 
leon's course in 1812 ? 



160 HISTORY MODEEN. 



1 



the Peninsular War was raging, lie declared war 
against Russia, under the pl^a that, contraiy to the 
provisions of the treaty of Tilsit, the latter power had 
favoured British commerce. Accordingly, at the head 
of an immense army, he invaded Russia, defeated the 
Russians at 'Smolensk, fought the bloody battle of 
Borodino, and advanced with his victorious legions 
towards Moscow, the ancient capital of the empire. 

28. Here he intended to take up his winter quar- 
ters ; but he was thwarted by the Russians, who here, 
by a desperate and sublime act of devotion, at last 
rolled back the tide of French victory. They set fire 
to their noble city, reduced it to ashes, and left the 
French Emperour with no other alternative than to 
retrace his steps with his dispirited and weary army, 
through deserts of snow, amidst the intense severity 
of a Northern winter, and harassed at ev«ry step by 
fierce bands of Russians, who throughout that dis- 
astrous retreat hung upon his rear and flanks. Of the 
400,000 men who entered Russia with Napoleon, 
only about 30,000 returned. 

29. Napoleon, in advance of his shattered and 
ruined forces, hastened, disguised, to Paris, and, deter- 
mined to retrieve his fortunes, levied another vast 
army ; but he was now opposed by the fifth coaUtion, 
composed of Russia, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, and 

Questions. — 28. Wliat was the conduct of the Kussians on 
Napoleon's approaching Moscow, and what was the result? 
29. How did Napoleon attempt to retrieve his fortimes ? By 
what was ho now opposed, and with what result ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 161 

England. Nothing daunted, he advanced against his 
foes with his usual rapidity — defeated them in the 
battles of Lutzen and Bautzen — repulsed them at 
Dresden — but was, finally, completely routed in the 
terrible battle of Leipsic. 1813. 

30. After this overwhelming reverse, Napoleon 
again fled to Paris, and attempted, but in vain, to 
rouse the French people. He then rejoined his army, 
and in vain attempted to oppose the progress of the 
Allies, who having penetrated, after desperate strug- 
gles, into the heart of France, at length entered 
Paris, March 31st, 1814. 

3 1 . Napoleon was now solemnly deposed by the Al- 
lies, but was allowed to retire to the island of Elba ; 
the Bourbon dynasty was restored ; the brother of 
the unfortunate Louis XVI. ascended the throne, 
with the title of Louis XVIIL, and the Pope, after 
a captivity of five years, returned to Rome. 

32. Everything now promised a lasting peace; 
but before a year had elapsed. Napoleon left the 
island of Elba, with the determination of regaining 
his lost power. He landed in the South of France, 
on the 1st of March, 1815 ; was received with rap- 
turous enthusiasm by the army ; resumed the title 
of Emperour, and rapidly advancing upon Paris, 
entered that city on the 20th of March. Louis 
XVIIL and his family fled on his approach, and Na- 

QuESTioNs. — 30. What happened after the battle of Leipsic? 
81. What happened after the Allies entered Paris ? 32. What 
happened before a year elapsed ? 
14* 



162 HISTORY MODERN. 

poleon resumed the sceptre without having shed a 
drop of blood. 

33. He was now proclaimed by the Alhes an out- 
law, and a new coalition was formed against him* 
Again at the head of a large army, Napoleon strug* 
gled for the mastery ; but he was finally and com- 
pletely defeated by the Alhes, under Blucher and 
Wellington, in the memorable battle of Waterloo, 
June 18th, 1815. Finding that all was lost, Napo- 
leon now yielded to his fate. He again abdicated 
the throne, and surrendered himself to the English 
Government. He was subsequently exiled to St. 
Helena, a solitary and dreary island in the Atlantic, 
where he remained a prisoner until his death, which 
took place on the 5th of May, 1821, in the 52d 
year of his age. 

34. Napoleon was, unquestionably, one of the 
most remarkable men who have figured in the history 
of the world. Rising from obscurity, by the energy 
of his own genius, to the proudest and most power- 
ful position ever attained in modern times, he pre- 
sented to the world, as a warriour, a sovereign, and 
a statesman, a combination of great and brilliant 
qualities rarely witnessed in a single individual. 
But his character had many great defects. He exer- 
cised over his own dominions a military despotism ; 
and his insatiable ambition prompted him to sacrifice. 



Qtjestions. — 33. What followed the return of Napoleon? 
"What was his fate ? 34. What was his character ? 



HISTOET MODERN. 163 

without scruple, the rights and independence of other 
nations — so that his downfal was hailed with exulta- 
tion b)^ the friends of humanity throughout the world. 

35. After the second dethronement of Napoleon, 
Louis XVIII. again ascended the throne : France 
was restored to its ancient limits, and a constitutional 
charter was framed, which secured to the people 
several important privileges. 

36. Louis XVIII. was succeeded, in 1824, by his 
brother, Count D'Artois, with the title of Charles X. 
The reign of this monarch was rendered memorable 
by the Revolution of 1830. His government was 
rendered obnoxious to the hberal party in France 
through the attempts made to check the spirit of 
liberty, by influencing the elections, dissolving the 
Chambers, and restraining the freedom of the press. 
At length, the people of Paris, in July, 1830, took 
up arms against the Government, and in three days, 
ending with the 29th of that month, the Revolution 
was completed. Charles X. fled; the throne was 
declared vacant ; the Constitutional Charter was re- 
modelled ; and the Duke of Orleans, cousin of the 
deposed monarch, was invited to the throne, and 
accordingly ascended it, August 7th, 1830, with the 
title of Louis Philippe, King of the French. 

Questions. — 35. What happened after the second dethrone- 
ment of Napoleon? 36. By whom was Louis XVIII. suc- 
ceeded ? What rendered the reign of Charles X. remarkable? 
What produced the Eevolution ot 1830, and what was its 
result ? 



164: HISTOKY MODERN. 

37. Louis Philippe occupied the throne up to the 
22d of February, 1848, when a new Revolution, 
growing out of causes analogous to those which pro- 
duced the Revolution of 1830, hurled him from 
power, and obliged him to fly into England ; and 
France was declared a Repubhc, of which, in De- 
cember of the same year, Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, 
a nephew of the Emperour Napoleon, became Presi- 
dent. 



CHAPTER III. 

ENGLAND. 

SECTION I. 

From the Invasion of the Country, by Julius Ccesar, B, C. 
55, to the Union of the Saxon Heptarchy and Foundation 
of the Monarchy, A. C. 827. 

1. The part of the island of Britain, now called 
England, is supposed to have been peopled originally 
by a colony from Gaul ; but at what time, there is no 
record to tell us. The Phoenio^ans traded at a very 
early period with the inhabitants of the southwestern 

Questions. — 37. Up to what time did Louis Philippe occupy 
the throne, and what terminated his power ? Who became 
President of the new Kepublic ? 1. What* are the early ac- 
counts of England ? When do the earliest authentic accounts 
commence ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 165 

extremity of the island, for copper and tin, but they 
did not penetrate beyond the coast, and knew nothing 
of the interiour of the country. The earliest authen- 
tic accounts we have commence with the invasion by 
the Romans, under Julius Caesar, who, fifty-five years 
before the birth of Christ, crossed over from the 
Continent, and, with his victorious legions, having 
forced Cassibelanus, the chief of the Britons, to sub- 
mit, took possession of the country. 

2. But the native princes of the country did not 
tamely submit ; and in the year 43 A. C, a second 
invasion Avas made by the Romans, under the Em- 
perour Claudius ; and Caractacus, the king of the 
Britons, after a gallant struggle of nine years, was 
taken prisoner by the. Roman general, Ostorius, and 
sent to Rome. Again, in the year 59, A. C, during 
the reign of the Emperour Nero, the Romans, under 
Paulus Suetonius, struggled for the mastery. The 
Britons, led by the heroic queen, Boadicea, for a long 
time kept their enemies in check, and gained several 
victories over them ; but they were finally defeated 
by the Romans, in 61 A. C, and Boadicea, to escape 
from their power, ended her fife by taking poison. 
The final conquest of the country, however, was not 
completed until during the reign of Titus ; when the 
Roman general, Agricola, having defeated Galcagus, 
subjected it to the Roman dominion. A. C. 18. 



Questions. — 2. Give an account of tlie subsequent invasions 
by the Eomans. 



166 HISTOET MODEKN. 

3. The Romans built three walls across the island, 
to protect their southern possessions from the in- 
cursions of the Scots — the fierce and warlike bar- 
barians of the northern portions of the island — and 
retained possession of their conquests for about 400 
years. 

4. At length, in 426 A. C, the Roman legions 
were withdrawn from Britain, being needed on the 
Continent to check the fierce armies of the northern 
barbarians,, who at that time were overrunning the 
provinces of the empire. The Britons, enervated by 
their connexion with the Romans, being now left to 
their own resources, could make but feeble resistance 
to the incursions of their warlike and hardy neigh- 
bours, the Scots and Picts, from the north of the 
island. After a long struggle, however — their ap- 
peals for aid from Rome being unheeded — they in- 
vited the Saxons, from Germany, to assist them. 
This assistance was freely granted ; and a Saxon 
army, under the command of Hengist and Horsa, 
landed in Britain in 449 A. C, and soon drove back 
the Scots and Picts to their homes in the North. 

5. But the Britons had only made an exchange of 
masters. The Saxons, delighted with the country, 
procured a large accession of forces from Germany, 



Questions. — 3. What was done by the Komans to secure 
their possessions, and how long did they retain them ? 4 
What happened in 426 A.C., and what was the consequence? 
5. What course did the Saxous pursue afterwards ? 



HISTORY MODEKN-. 167 

composed of Saxons, Angles, and Jutes, and, after 
vain and ineffectual- efforts by the Britons to resist 
them, completed the subjugation of the country, 
which they finally divided into seven kingdoms, called 
the Saxon Heptarchy. These kingdoms were — Kent, 
Sussex, Wessex, Essex, Northumberland, East An- 
glia, and Mercia. A. C. 584. 

6. During the period of the Heptarchy, which 
lasted upw^ards of two hundred years, the country 
was blessed by the light of Christianity. The first 
Christian missionary was St. Augustine, vrho, being 
sent by Pope Gregory the Great, landed in Britain 
with forty other monks, in the year 59*7 A. C. His 
first convert was Ethelbert I., King of Kent, whose 
subjects generally followed his example, and grad- 
ually the pure fight of the Gospel spread through 
the island. 

v. The Heptarchy, after a succession of dissen- 
sions and contests, was finally brought to a close by 
Egbert, King of Wessex, who, having subdued the 
several kingdoms, became sole king, and united them 
into one monarchy, under the name of England. 
A.C. 82Y. 



Questions. — Name the kingdoms of the Heptarchy ? 6. 
What happened during the period of the Heptarchy ? Who 
was the first missionary and the first convert ? 7. How, and 
by whom, was the Heptarchy brought to a close ? 



168 HISTORY MODERN. 



EC T ION II 



From the Foundation of the Monarchy, A. C. 82*7, to the Nor- 
man Conquest, 1066. 

1. Egbert had scarcely consolidated his power, 
before the coasts of England were invaded by the 
Danes, a people whose depredations form a prom- 
inent featm-e in the early history of England. Their 
excursions, chiefly of a predatory or piratical charac- 
ter, were frequent and destructive, and their descents 
upon the British Islands kept the inhabitants in a 
constant state of alarm. Egbert, after several at- 
tempts to stop their ravages, finally defeated them 
with great slaughter, in 835 A. C. He died the next 
year. Ethelwolf, his son and successor, was also 
harassed by these fierce pirates, but overthrew them 
in 851 A. C. On the death of Ethelwolf, and dur- 
ing the successive reigns of his sons, Ethelbald, 
Ethelbert, Ethelred, and Alfred, the Danes continued, 
notwithstanding repeated defeats, to commit their 
depredations upon the shores of England, and finally 
obtained possession of a large portion of the island. 

2. The last-mentioned son of Ethelwolf, Alfred, 
justly surnamed the Great, at last reheved his king- 

QuESTioNs. — 1. What occurred shortly after the establish- 
ment of the monarchy ? What is said of the Danes, during 
the reigns of Egbert and his immediate successors ? 2. Who 
reheved the kingdom from the Danes, and how ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 169 

dom from these fierce barbarians. He ascended the 
throne in 871 A, C. Though at first defeated by 
the Danes, and compelled to conceal himself, for a 
time,, beneath the humblest disguise, he finally tri- 
umphed over them in the battle of Edrington. 

3. After having thus restored tranquilhty to the 
kingdom, Alfred turned his attention to the arts of 
peace. He divided England into counties, digested a 
code of laws, established trial by jury, founded the 
University of Oxford, instituted schools, and, for the in- 
struction of his subjects, translated a number of works 
into the Saxon language. He also encouraged agri- 
culture, commerce, and the useful arts, and, by pre- 
cept and example, inspired among his people a love 
and respect for rehgion. 

4. The noble character of Alfred the Great has 
been justly considered one of the finest models of 
kingly excellence which history presents. His pri- 
vate and public life were equally distinguished for 
those shining vu'tues which can alone entitle a man 
to the epithet of Great. His piety as a Christian, 
his valour and intrepidity as a warriour, his learning 
and accomplishments as a writer, his wisdom and 
sagacity as a lawgiver, and his firmness, humanity, 
and justice as a ruler, have rendered this patriot 
king an object of unquahfied praise and admiration 
through every succeeding age. 

Questions. — 3. What was the course of Alfred after this ? 
4, What is said of the character of Alfred ? 
15 



170 HISTOEY ^MODERN. 

5. Alfred was succeeded, in 900 A. C, by his son 
Edward, sumamed the Elder, whose reign was sig- 
nalized by a continued but successful struggle against 
the Northumbrians and Danes, who were powerful 
in the North of England. He succeeded in extend- 
ing and strengthening the power of his rule over dis- 
tricts which had not owned the sway of his predeces- 
sors ; and was succeeded by his eldest son, Athel- 
stan, in 924 A. C, who, pursuing the course of his ; 
father, succeeded in silencing all oppositicPn to his 
government in the kingdom, and has hence been con- ■ 
sidered by some as the first king who effectually es- • 
tabhshed the kinsrdom of Enorland. 

6. After the death of Athelstan, in 940 A. C, the 
short reigns of Edmund, Edred, Edwy, Edgar, Ed- • 
ward the Martyr, Ethelred 11. , and Edmund Ironside, , 
followed in succession, during which but little of P 
prominent interest occurred, except the reappearance 
of the Danes in England, in the reign of Ethelred IL, 
A. C. 994. They were now led on by their King, 
Sweyn, who in 1013 A. C. — Ethelred having fled to 
Normandy — took possession of the kingdom, which 
he governed until his death, when Ethelred was re- 
stored. On the death of Ethelred, his son, Edmund I 
Ironside, succeeded in 1016 A. C. 

Y. But the Danes, having once possessed the 

Questions. — 5. Who succeeded Alfred ? What signalized , 
his reign? Who succeeded Edward the Elder? What is 
said of Athelstan? 6. What followed the death of Athelstan, » 
and what event happened during the reign of Ethelred 11. ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. ITI 

throne, were not disposed to resign it so quietly ; and 
Canute, who had succeeded his father, Sweyn, to the 
throne of Denmark, now asserted his claim to the 
crown of England. He invaded the country, and 
compelled Edmund to divide his kingdom with him ; 
and Edmund being shortly afterwards murdered, Ca- 
nute was acknowledored sole Kino^ of Eno-land, A. C. 
1017. He proved to be an excellent and powerful 
sovereign, and, from his talents, obtained the appel- 
lation of the Great. 

8. He was succeeded, in 1036 A. C, by his son 
Harold, surnamed Harefoot, who, after a reign of 
four years, was succeeded by his brother, Canute 11., 
or Hardicanute. This monarch was the last of the 
Danish kings, and reigned but two years. 

9. On the death of Hardicanute, in 1042 A. C, 
the English threw off the Danish yoke, and restored 
the Saxon line of kings in the person of Edward, 
surnamed the Confessor, the brother of Edmund 
Ironside. This monarch was a mild and beneficent 
king, and received the surname of Confessor in con- 
sequence of his piety and virtues. He united all the 
laws of England in one body, which was styled the 
Common Law. 

10. On the death of Edward, in 1065 A. C, the 

Questions. — 7. "What course was pursued by the Danes on 
the accession of Edmund Ironside ? What was the result ? 
"What is said of Canute ? 8. Who were the successors of Ca- 
nute ? 9. What happened on the death of Hardicanute ? What 
is said of Edward the Confessor ? 



172 HISTOKY MODERN. 

kingdom was distracted by the claims of several 
competitors for the crown. Among these were, 
William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed that the 
late kinff had made him his heir, and Harold, son of 
the Earl of Wessex, and grandson of Esthrita, 
daughter of Sweyn. Harold, having caused himself 
to be proclaimed king, William of Normandy imme- 
diately resolved to maintain his claim by force of 
arms. He invaded the country at the head of 
60,000 men ; and having met Harold with an equal 
force, on the field of Hastings, completely defeated 
him. Harold was slain in the battle, and the nation 
submitted to WiUiam, who ascended the throne with 
the surname of the Conqueror. A. C. 1066. 



SECTION III. 

The Norman Family : from William, the Conqueror, 1066 
A. C, to the Accession of the Planto.genets, 1154. 

1. William the Conqueror, was an arbitrary, 
but able sovereign, whose character was in keeping 
with the stern and iron age in Avhich he lived. He 
elevated his Norman followers to every post of dis- 
tinction, to the exclusion of the native nobles, in- 

QuESTioNs. — 10. What distracted the kingdom, on the death 
of Edward ? Who were among the claimants to the Crown, 
and what was the result? 1. What is said of William the 
Conqueror, and his acts ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 173 

troduced the use of the Norman lanoruaofe in the 
Courts of Justice, and is said to have been the first 
who estabhshed the Feudal System in the kingdom. 

2. He was succeeded, in 1090 A. C, by his son, 
Wilham II., surnamed Rufus, fi-om his red hair — a 
monarch whose character is represented as tyranni- 
cal. He was accidentally killed by an arrow, when 
hunting in the New Forest, in 1100 A. C. 

3. Henry I., surnamed Beauclerk, or the Scholar, 
the younger brother of William Rufus, usurped the 
throne, which of right belonged to his elder brother 
Robert, at that time engaged in a crusade in the 
Holy Land. The latter, on his return, asserted his 
right to the Crown, but was defeated, taken prisoner, 
and confined in Wales until his death. Henry, by 
his marriage with Matilda, great-grand-daughter of 
Edmund Ironside, united the Saxon and Norman 
families, and was an able and accomplished, though 
ambitious and licentious monarch, 

4. On the death of Henry, in 1135 A. C, the suc- 
cession of right belonged to his daughter Matilda, or 
Maud, married, first, to Henry V., Emperour of Ger- 
many, and afterwards to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Earl 
of Anjou, by whom she had several children, the el- 
dest of whom was named Henry. But Stephen, Earl 
of Blois, the nephew of the late king, a man of com- 

QuESTioNs. — 2. Who succeeded liim ? What is said of Wil- 
liam Rufus ? 3. What is said of Henry I. ? 4. Who was the 
rightful heir to the throne, on Henry's death ? Who usurped 
the throne ? What was the result ? What happened in 1153 ? 
15* 



174 HISTORY MODEEX. 

manding popularity, boldly usurped the throne. The 
spirited Matilda, at the head of an army, defeated the 
usurper, and seized the crown. She was, however, 
in turn defeated by Stephen, who again assumed the 
sceptre. In 1153 A. C, Henry, the son of Matilda, 
invaded England with an army, and at the end of the 
same year a compromise treaty was concluded with 
Stephen, securing to Henry the succession on the 
death of the usurper. Stephen died in 1154 A. C, 
and Henry Plantagenet ascended the throne with the 
title of Henry II 



SECTION IV. 

Family of Plantagenet : from the Accession of Henry 11., 
1154 A. C, to the Usurpation of the Branch of Lancaster, 
1400. 

1. Henry II. was an able and useful sovereign, 
though his character is blemished by many traits of 
pride, duplicity, and ambition. The most remarkable 
events in his reign were, the martyrdom of his illus- 
trious Chancellor, St. Thomas a Becket, Archbishop 
of Canterbury, who, at the expense of the King's 
favour, boldly resisted the encroachments of the civil 
power on the rights and immunities of the Church ; 

Questions. — 1. What is said of Henry II. ? What were the 
most remarkable events of his reign ? What is said of Ire- 
land? 



HTSTOEY MODERN. 1Y5 

and the invasion and partial conquest of Ireland, 
llVl A. C. The odium created against the King on 
account of the atrocious murder of Becket, was turned 
aside by a humiliating and public penance performed 
by Henry, who, too late, discovered and appreciated 
the noble qualities of his minister. Ireland, from the 
reign of this monarch to the present time, has suf- 
fered under the cruel weight of the British yoke ; 
and though she has, at various periods since, attempted 
to assert and maintain her rights as a nation, her own 
divisions, superadded to the overwhelming power of 
the British government, have thwarted all her eflforts. 
2. Henry was succeeded, in 1189 A. C, by his 
son, the celebrated Richard I., surnamed Coeur de 
Lion, of whom we have spoken as a prominent and 
successful leader of the Third Crusade. On his re- 
turn from this expedition, having been shipwrecked, 
he attempted to pass through Germany, disguised as 
a pilgrim, but was arrested by the Emperour, Henry 
VI., who detained him a prisoner until his subjects 
ransomed him by the payment of a heavy sum. 
Shortly after his return, he died of a wound received 
in storming the Castle of Chaluz. iRchard was dis- 
tinguished for his great valour and military talents ; 
but the early part of his reign was marked by a cruel 
and bloody persecution of the Jews, which has left 
a stain on his character. 



Questions. — 2. Who succeeded Henry II. ? What is said 
ofEichard Coeur de Lion? 



1Y6 HISTOEY — MODEEN. 

3. He was succeeded by his perfidious brother 
John, in 1199 A. C. His reign is one of the most 
infamous in the annals of England. He is said to^ 
have murdered with his own hand his nephew, Prince 
Arthur, the son of his elder brother, and the rightful 
heir ; in consequence of which Philip Augustus, King 
of France, confiscated his estates on the Continent, 
whence he obtained the surname of SansteiTe, or 
Lackland. He was a despicable tyrant, possessing 
no redeeming quality ; and so insupportable were 
his arbitrary infringements upon the rights and 
privileges of his nobles and people, that the English 
barons, headed by Archbishop Langton, the Pri- 
mate, extorted from him, on the field of Runny- 
mede, the famous Magna Charta, which secured to 
all classes throughout the kingdom many impor- 
tant franchises and privileges, and Avliich is to this 
day regarded as the bulwark of English liberty. 
1215 A. C. 

4. John Lackland was succeeded, in 1216 A. C, 
by his son Henry III., a boy nine years old, under 
the regency of the Earl of Pembroke. His reign, 
which lasted fff^-six years, was characterized by 
constant contentions with his people and the nobles, 
but it is distinguished as the era of the commence- 
ment of the English House of Commons. 



Questions. — 3. Who succeeded Eicliard ? What is said of 
John, and what occurred in his reign ? 4. Who succeeded 
John "i What characterized the reign of Henry III. ? 



HISTOEY MODERN. ITT 

5. Edward 1., surnamed Longshanks, succeeded 
his father, the late King, in 12*72 A. C. He was one 
of the ablest of the English sovereigns. As a war- 
riour, he was eminently distinguished, and his wisdom 
as a legislator secured him the title of the Enghsh 
Justinian. He ratified the provisions of Magna 
Charta, and since his time there has been a regular 
succession of English ParUaments. He subdued 
Wales, which had been previously independent of 
the English Crovrn ; and invaded Scotland, and car- 
ried Bahol, the King, prisoner to London. Whilst 
Edward was engaged in war on the Continent, the 
Scots, roused by the patriotic exertions of the cele- 
brated Sir William Wallace, attempted to regain 
their independence. A brilliant series of victories 
at first promised them success ; but having been de- 
feated, their noble leader was betrayed into the hands 
of the English King, by whose orders he was bar- 
barously put to death. Robert Bruce, however, 
soon took the place which had been so nobly filled 
Tsy the lamented Wallace, and, having been pro- 
claimed King, again drove the English from the bor- 
ders of Scotland, Edward, roused by this new ad- 
versary, prepared for a new invasion of Scotland, but 
died before he reached the borders of that kingdom. 

6. He was succeeded by his son, Edward H., 

Questions. — 5. Who succeeded Henry III. ? What is said 
of Edward I. ? What were some of the events in his reis:n ? 
6. Who succeeded Edward I. ? What occurred iix the reign 
of Ed ward II.? 



1Y8 IIISTOEY MODEKN. 

who, carrying out the intentions of his'father, invaded' 
Scotland with a large army. He was met by thei 
intrepid Bruce on the famous field of Bannockbum,i 
and completely routed. This great battle secured! 
the independence of Scotland. A. C. 1314. Ed-i 
ward, after a weak reign of nineteen years, waaii 
basely murdered, at the instigation of his infamousi 
Queen, Isabella. A. C. 132*7. 

1. Edward III. succeeded his father, under the* 
regency of his mother, Isabella, in whose right hen 
laid claim to the crown of France, in opposition to:^ 
Phihp of Valois, who had been acknowledged then 
rightful heir. This claim produced the sanguinary] 
war which has been already noticed in the histoiy of^ 
France. It was signalized by the victory gained by^l 
the English at Cressy ; the taking of Calais, and^ 
the battle of Poictiers, gained by the Black Princeje 
in which the French King, John, was taken prisoner. i| 
During the progress of this war, the Scots invadedi 
England, but were defeated by the English, under; 
Edward's heroic Queen, Philippa, and their King,j 
David, was carried a prisoner to London, where Idi 
was soon joined by the captive King of France. Th^ 
reign of Edward III. is one of the most brilliant ini 
English history. He was an able, accomplished^^ 
and excellent sovereio-n. 



Questions.— 7. Who succeeded Edward II. ? What occuiv : 
red m the reign of Edward III.? What is said of Edward* 
III. and his reign ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 179 

8. He was succeeded by his weak grandson, 
Richard II., in 1377 A. C, at the age of eleven 
years. During his minority, the regency was con- 
ducted by his three uncles, the Dukes of Lancaster, 
York, and Gloucester, whose divisions distracted the 
counsels of the Government. The Duke of Lancas- 
ter, John of Gaunt, was the most prominent and 
influential. Shortly after the accession of Richard, 
the insurrection of the people, headed by Wat Tyler, 
occurred, in consequence of unequal and onerous 
taxations. The kingdom was also engaged, during 
this reign, in wars with France and Scotland. 

9. Richard having banished his cousin Henry, the 
eldest son of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 
and on the death of the Duke confiscated his estates, 
the young Duke, taking advantage of Richard's ab- 
sence in Ireland, landed in England, raised a large 
army, and soon compelled the king to resign his 
crown. Richard was imprisoned, and soon after 
murdered, and the young Duke of Lancaster ascended 
the throne with the title of Henry IV. A. C. 1400. 

Questions. — 8. Who succeeded him ? What were some of 
the events of the reign of Richard II. ? 9. How did his reign 
terminate, and who succeeded him ? 



180 HISTORY MODERN. 



SECTION V. 

Branch of Lancaster : from the Usurpation of Henry Iv%i\ 
A. C. 1400, to the Accession of the Branch of Yorle, 
1461. 

1 . Henry IV. was not suffered to hold his usurped 
authority without opposition. A rebelHon, in which i 
the Enghsh were assisted by the Scots, under Doug- -j 
las, and the Welch, under Owen Glendower, was 
fomented against him. But he crushed it by the 
defeat of the rebels and their alhes, in the blood;^ 
battle of Shrewsbury, where Percy, of Northumber- 
land, surnamed Hotspur, the leader of the insurgents, 
was slain. Henry's life was rendered unhappy by 
the extreme profligacy of his son, the Prince of .' 
Wales. 

2. This son, whose early career was so unpromis- 
ing, succeeded his father in 1413, with the title of 
Henry V., and astonished his subjects by a sudden 
and radical reformation in his conduct and habits. 
He proved himself one of the most heroic of the 
English sovereigns. Having revived the claim to the 
crown of France, he invaded that country ; gained 
the great battle of Agincomi; ; reduced Normandy, 
and was declared regent of France and heir to the 

Questions. — 1. "What li^pened on the accession of Henry 
IV. ? What rendered his life unhappy 1 2. Who succeeded 
him ? What were some events of the reign of Henry V. ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 181 

croA\Ti. His career, however, was cut short by death. 
A.C. 1422. 

3. He was succeeded by his son, Henry VI., an 
infant, under the guardianship of the Dukes of Bed- 
ford and Gloucester. During his reign the French 
recovered nearly all the possessions they had lost, 
their armies being led by the heroic Joan of Arc ; and 
4t was signahzed by the bloody civil war, occasioned 
by the claim of the Duke of York to the throne. 

4. The House of Lancaster, wliich, in the person 
of Henry IV., usurped- the throne, did so in viola- 
tion of the righ4 which existed in the House of York. 
Both houses were descended from Edward HI. — that 
of York from the third son, and that of Lancaster 
from the fourth. The Duke of York now boldly 
asserted his claim, and a fierce and sanguinary war 
between the rival houses, called the war of the Two 
Roses, was the consequence. Henry himself was a 
mild but weak sovereign, totally incapable of meet- 
ing the exigency ; but he had in his wife, the distin- 
guished Margaret of Anjou, a Queen who fully sup- 
phed his defects. The adherents of the House of 
York, however, obtained the advantage. They de- 
feated the Lancastrians in the battle of St. Alban's, 
and subsequently in that of Northampton, where 
Heniy was taken prisoner. A. C. 1460. 

Questions. — 3. "VVlio succeeded him ? What occurred dur- 
ing the reign of Henry VI. ? 4. What was the origin of the 
Civil War? What is said of Henry VI., and his Queen? 
What party gained the advantage ? 
16 



182 HISTOKY MODERN. 



5. Queen Margaret fled to Scotland, whence she 
soon returned with a large army, and gained the i 
battle of Wakefield, in which the Duke of York was 
slain. His son, however, with a numerous army, 
entered London in triumph, and was proclaimed 
King by the title of Edward lY. A. C. 1461. 



SECTION VI. 

Branch of York : from the Accession of Edward IV., A. C. 
1461, to the Death of Richard III, 1485. 

1. Edward IV., at the moment he was proclaimed, l; 
King, had much reason to doubt the stability of his i' 
power, as he still had an active opponent in the field, 
in the person of the intrepid and courageous Mar- 
garet, at the head of an army of 60,000 men. He, 
therefore, with a large force, commanded by himself 
and the Earl of Warwick, immediately marched 
against her. A bloody and obstinate battle ensued, 
at Toulon, in which Edward was completely victori- 
ous. Margaret, with her son, fled, and, after a series 
of adventures, reached Flanders. Henry VI., tlie 
deposed monarch, was subsequently arrested, and 
imprisoned in the Tower of London. 

Questions. — 5. What occurred afterwards ? 1. What occur- 
red after Edward IV. was proclaimed King ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 183 

2. The Earl of Warwick, the most powerful noble- 
man in the kingdom, to whose courage and great 
abilities Edward owed his crown, having been 
offended by the arbitrary conduct of the King, re- 
volted from his authority, and openly espoused the 
cause of the Lancastrians. Edward was deposed, 
and Warwick caused Henry YI., who had been in 
the Tower for six years, to be restored to the throne. 
From these acts, he received the title of King Maker. 
A. C. 1470. 

3. This triumph, however, was of but short dura- 
tion. The next year, Edward, who had fled to Flan- 
ders, returned ; again deposed Henry ; gained the 
bloody battle of Barnet, in which the gallant War- 
wick wSs slain, and afterwards completely routed 
the forces which the indefatigable Queen Margaret 
had again collected, in the desperate battle of Tewkes- 
bury. Margaret was taken prisoner, but was after- 
wards ransomed by the King of France, where she 
spent the remainder of her days. King Henry was 
murdered in prison about the same time, it was sup- 
posed by the Duke of Gloucester, afterwards Rich- 
ard III. 

4. Edward IV. was succeeded, in 1483, by his 
son, Edward V., a boy thirteen years of age, under 
the guardianship of his bloody and cruel imcle. 

Questions. — 2. What was tlie course of the Earl of Warwick 
after this ? 3. What happened the next year ? What became 
of Margaret and King Henry ? 4. Who succeeded Edward 
IV.? 



I 



184: HISTORY MODERN. 



Richard, Duke of Gloucester. The perfidious Duke, 
whose deformed and ungainly person but faintly rep- 
resented the revolting character of his mind, aimed 
at the supreme power. Having caused many of the; 
most distinguished noblemen, whom he feared, to be 
put to death without trial, he usurped the throne, ' 
pronouncing his nephews, Edward V., and his 
younger brother, the Duke of York, illegitimate, 
and caused himself to be proclaimed King, with the 
title of Richard III. Two months after, the two 
young princes were foully murdered in the Tower, 
where they had been confined. 

5. The usurper did not long enjoy his blood-stained 
crown. The Duke of Richmond, the last surviving* 
heir of the House of Lancaster, having landed in 
England, and collected an army, determined to sweep 
the tyrant 'from the throne. Richard prepared to 
resist the invader. The two armies met on the field 
of Bosworth, where a bloody and obstinate battW , 
was fought, ending in the complete defeat of Richard, 
who was slain. The Duke of Richmond was pro- 
claimed King on the field, with the title of Henry ' 
VII. A. C. 1485. 

Questions. — What is said of the Duke of Gloucester, and 
how did he aecoraplish his designs ? 5. In what manner was 
the reign of Eichard III. terminated ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 185 



SECTION VII. 

The Tudor Family : from the Accession of Henry VII., 
A. C. 1485, to the Death of Elizabeth, 1603. 

1. Henry VII., the son of Edmund Tudor, was, 
throufrli his mother, the heir of the House of Lan- 
caster ; but the adverse and the better title to the 
Enghsh Crown was vested in Elizabeth, heiress of 
the House of York, and daughter of Edward IV. 
Immediately after he was proclaimed King, Hemy 
married Elizabeth, thus perfecting his title by the 
union of the two rival houses, and effectually ending 
the long and bloody strife Avhich, during thirty years, 
had desolated England. 

2. The reign of Henry was prosperous, and was 
noted principally for the promotion of industry, the 
extension of commerce, the increase of wealth, and 
for the general encouragement given to the cultiva- 
tion of the useful arts. 

3. He was succeeded, in 1509, by his son, the in- 
famous Hemy VIII. , whose reign, like that of Nero, 
commenced under the brightest auspices, and with 
acts of mildness and clemency — but at last became 

Questions. — 1. What was the title of Henry VII. to the 
crown ? How were the claims of York and Lancaster united ? 
2. What is said of the reign of Henry VII. ? 3. By whom was 
he succeeded ? What events happened in the early portion 
of his reign ? 

16* 



186 HISTOKT MODEEN. 

marked by revolting acts of cruelty, tyranny, and 
unprincipled rapacity. In the early part of his reign, 
he enwiofed in a war as^ainst Louis XII., of France, 
which resulted in no benefit. He was successful in 
a war against Scotland, which ended in the victory 
at Flodden, where James IV., the Scottish King, was 
slain ; and he also acted as an umpire in the disputes 
which were raging on the Continent, between Charles 
v., of Germany, and Francis I., of France. 

4. During his reign, Martin Luther commenced 
preaching the doctrines of the Reformation in Ger- 
many ; and Henry VIII. was so zealously opposed 
to the movement, that he wrote a book against the 
Reformer, which obtained for him, from Pope Leo 
X., the title of " Defender of the Faith" — a title 
which his successors retain to the present day. 

5. His subsequent course is as remarkable as it 
was infamous. His first wife was the high-minded 
and virtuous Catherine of Arragon, whom the King 
sought to divorce, having conceived a criminal 
passion for Anne Boleyn, one of the Queen's maids 
of honour. He applied to Pope Clement VII., who 
refused to grant the divorce, as contrary to Divine 
law. He was also opposed in his base designs by his 
prime minister, the celebrated Cardinal Wolsey. The 
consequence was, that Wolsey was degraded from 

Questions. — 4. How did Henry obtain the title of " Defender 
of the Faith ?" 5. What is said of his subsequent course ? 
What produced disputes with the Pope, and what was the 
result ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 187 

his high station, and Archbishop Cranmer was ele- 
vated in his stead. This crafty prelate became the 
obsequious tool of his royal master. Through his 
instrumentahty — in the face of the Pope's refusal to 
sanction the act — Henry was pronounced divorced 
from his Queen, and married Anne Boleyn. A. C. 
1533. 

6. For this act he was excommunicated by the 
Pope, and he immediately abandoned himself to a 
course of reckless tyranny. He abolished the au- * 
thority of the Church of Rome ; caused himself to 
be declared head of the Enghsh Church ; suppressed 
the monasteries and religious houses, and persecuted 
both Cathohcs and Protestants. Thus commenced 
the Reformation in England. Three yeays after his 
marriage with Anne Boleyn, Henry caused that un- 
fortunate woman to be beheaded, and on the day of 
her execution married Jane Seymour. She died in 
giving birth to a son, afterwards Edward VI. Henry's 
next wife was Anne of Cleves, Avhom he soon dis- 
carded. He then married Catherine Howard, whom 
he caused to be tried for adultery and beheaded ; 
and, finally, bestowed his royal favour on his sixth 
wife, Catherine Parr, who, however, had the singu- 
lar fortune to survive the tyrant. He died A. C. 
1547. 



Questions. — 6. What followed Lis marriage with Anne 
Boleyn? What became of Anne Boleyn? Who were the 
other wives of Henry VIII. ? 



188 HISTORY MODEEN. 

Y. Among the illustrious victims of the remorse- ,, 
less tyranny of this monster, were the venerablt- ij 
Bishop Fisher, and the noble Sir Thomas More, the 
High Chancellor, for refusing to acknowledge his 
supremacy as head of the English Church. 

8. Henry VIII. was succeeded by his son, Ed- 
ward VL, in the tenth year of his age, under the 
guardianship of his uncle, the Duke of Somerset. 
His short reign is remarkable for the establishment 

* of the Protestant religion, to which his father had 
paved the way. Edward died in the 16th year of 
his age, having been previously persuaded by the 
crafty Duke of Northumberland to nominate Lady 
Jane Grey, great-grand- daughter of Henry VII., 
his successor, to the exclusion of his half-sisters, Mary 
and Ehzabeth. I 

9. On the death of Edward VL, in 1552, his halfrJ 
sister, Mary, daughter of Catlierine of Arragon, was ^ 
acknowledged the rightful heir to the throne. Lady » 
Jane Grey, who had been proclaimed Queen by the- 3 
partisans of Northumberland, reigned but ten days, 
when she resigned the crown, and retired from public ; 
life, and Mary quietly ascended the throne. ThC'i 
Duke of Northumberland was condemned and be- ■ 
headed for treason, butXady Jane and her husband : 

Questions. — 7. "What illustrious men were put to deatli darin^H 
his reign ? 8. Who succeeded Henry VIII. ? What occurrodfll 
during the reign of Edward VI. ? 9. Who had been pro- 
claimed Queen, and what was the result ? What became of 
Lady Jane Grey ? 



HISTORY MODEEN. 189 

were pardoned. The spirit and designs of North- 
umberland, however, did not die with him ; and 
shortly after, a second conspiracy was formed for the 
purpose of supplanting Mary, in favour of Lady Jane. 
This design having been discovered, the principal 
leaders, and the Lady Jane, and her husband, Lord 
Guilford Dudley, suffered death on the scaffold. 

10. Mary, who had always remained a firm and 
devoted Cathohc, immediately after her accession re- 
established the Catholic religion in England ; but in 
doing so, suffered her zeal to degenerate into a spirit 
of intolerance. The severe enactments, however, 
that were directed against her Protestant subjects, 
many of which must have been passed without her 
knowledge, while she was confined to a sick-bed, 
were dictated by her counsellors, through motives of 
State policy. The constant intrigues of the Protest- 
ants to subvert her authority, and the revolts and 
disturbances which they created, occasioned, and — 
though these causes cannot justify — they, at least, in 
a oTcat measure, extenuate the riofour which was ex- 
ercised. The age was one in which rehgious intoler- 
ance had been evoked by the fierce strifes and di- 
visions that accompanied the progress of the Refor- 
mation, and its dark and implacable spirit operated 
in many cases upon Catholics as well as Protestants. 



Questions. — 10. What did Mary do, shortly after her acces- 
sion ? Wliat is said of the severity exercised against the 
Protestants ? 



190 HISTOKY — ^MODERN. 

Notwithstanding the reproach which must be charged 
upon her pubhc acts, Mary is represented as a 
person free from a vindictive or implacable spirit ; 
and, in private life, as pious, clement, compassionate, 
and liberal. 

11. In the second year of her reign, she was 
married to Phihp XL, of Spain, a union Avhich was 
unpopular among her subjects, and productive of 
little happiness to herself. In the last year of her 
reign, the English lost Calais, which they had pos- 
sessed 210 years. Mary died, without issue, in 
1558. 

12. She was succeeded by her half-sister, Eliza-* 
beth, daughter of Anne Boleyn. Shortly after her 
accession, this Queen declared herself opposed to the 
Catholic religion — established the Protestant faith as 
the religion of England — assumed the title of Head 
of the English Church — and, without any of the 
causes which induced the severity spoken of in 
Mary's reign, commenced a systematic and cruel per-, 
secution of her Cathohc subjects. During her reignj^j;, 
she framed against them the oppressive penal stat-|; 
utes, which disgraced the statute-books of England I 
for nearly three centuries, and portions of which re-. ■ 
main to this day unrepealed. 

13. The celebrated and unfortunate Mary Stuart, 

Questions.— 11. What happened in the second and in the 
last year of her reign ? 12. Who succeeded Mary ? What < 
happened shortly after the accession of Elizabetli ? 13. What 
is said of Mary, Queen of Scots, and what was her fate? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 191 

Queen of Scots, grand-daugliter of Henry VIII., 
having claimed to be the next heir to the English 
throne, on the ground that Elizabeth, being the 
daughter of Anne Boleyn, was illegitimate, aroused 
against her the fear, jealousy, and resentment of the 
English Queen, Circumstances, of the most tragical 
and distressing character, having driven the beautifid 
and accomplished Queen of Scots from her own king- 
dom, she — relying upon the plausible professions of 
the Queen of England — sought a refuge from her 
persecutors at the hands of Elizabeth. The asylum 
she found was a prison. The stern and cruel Queen 
of England had dissembled, but had never forgotten 
her fear and resentment. After a cruel captivity of 
eighteen years, the ill-fated Queen of Scotland was 
brought to a trial, which was a mere mockery, con- 
demned upon base and slanderous charges, and was 
beheaded by order of Elizabeth. A. C. 1587. This 
atrocious act has stamped a stain of infamy on the 
character of Elizabeth, which will descend with her 
name to the latest posterity. 

14. The reign of Elizabeth is one of the most 
striking and prosperous in the history of England. 
She was a woman possessed of masculine powers of 
mind, and singular abilities as a sovereign ; and the 
splendid though despotic course which marked her 
policy, elevated England to a more brilliant position 

Questions. — 14. What is said of Elizabeth and her reip;n ? 
What is said of the military operations during her reign ? 



192 HISTOEY MODERN. 

than it had ever before attained. She grouped 
around her throne some of the brightest intellecte 
that England ever claimed. Among these may b^ 
mentioned Bacon, Burleig:h, and Walsino-ham, 
statesmen ; Su- Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleiglj^ 
and Robert, Earl of Essex, as commanders ; ani 
Spenser and William Shakspeare, as poets. Thi 
mihtary operations of her reign were not extensivei 
though she enforced, by her stern and decided ruldj 
the marked respect of the other powers of Europe 
Philip II., of Spain, indignant on account of the aic 
Elizabeth had given the people of the Netherlandi! 
in their revolt against him, fitted out an immena 
fleet called the " Invincible Armada," for the pur 
pose of invading and subduing England ; but th 
vast armament never reached its destination, havii^ 
been completely destroyed by storms and the brillian 
seamanship of the Enghsh Admirals, Howard am 
Sir Francis Drake. 

15. Of the private character of Elizabeth, notfe 
ing favourable can be said. Insincere, treacherouii 
cruel, and tyrannical, she appeared destitute of ever? 
gentle quality which adorns her sex. With many c 
the brightest traits of intellect, she united the darke^i 
qualities of the heart, which, at an advanced age, 
up to the day of her death, swayed and controllel 
her actions. She died in 1603, in the 45th year c 
her reign, and the '70th of her age. 

Question.— 15. Wlaat is said of Elizabeth's private charactei 



HISTORY ^MODEEN. 193 



SECTION VIII. 

The Stuart Family : from the Accession of James I., A. C 
1603, to the Death of Anne, 1714. 

1. On lier death-bed, Elizabeth nominated as her 
successor James VI., King of Scotland, son of Mary- 
Stuart, Queen of Scots, and great-grandson of Henry 
VII. That monarch accordingly ascended the Eng- 
lish throne, with the title of James I., and thus united 
the crowns of the two kincrdoms. The reie^n of this 
sovereign was comparatively tranquil, though its com- 
mencement was marked by two conspiracies — one for 
the purpose of placing his cousin, Arabella Stuart, 
on the throne ; and the other, called the Gunpowder 
Plot, concocted by a few fanatics, with the horrible 
design of blowing up the King, Lords, and Commons, 
when convened in Parliament. Both, however, were 
discovered and thwarted. The celebrated Sir Wal- 
ter Raleigh, after a long captivity, was beheaded, on 
account of his participation in the first ; and Guy 
Fawkes, the leader of the second, suffered the just 
penalty of his crime. 

2. James I. was succeeded, in 1625, by his son, 
Charles I. This most unfortunate and ill-fated mon- 

QuESTiONs. — 1. Whom did Elizabeth, name as her succes- 
sor ? What occ«rred during the reign of James I. ? 2. Who 
succeeded him ? What events transpired during the reign of 
Charles I. ? Wliat were the consequences of the acts of 
Charles I. ? 

IT 






194: IIISTOEY MODEEN. 

arch ascended the throne under apparently favourable 
auspices. But circumstances speedily developed a : 
state of affairs portentous of great disasters ; a for- 
eign war, an empty treasury, a refractory Parliament, 
and a people distracted by fierce religious dissensions, ii 
Parliament having refused to grant supplies for thft'^ 
purpose of conducting the war, Charles adopted theci 
impohtic course of attempting to replenish his ex-;.\ 
hausted treasury by levying taxes without the con-i' 
sent of Parliament. He next attempted to enforce ( 
upon his subjects throughout England and Scotland,! 
a strict conformity to the hturgy of the Church of tj 
England, a measure which was vehemently opposedc 
by the Puritans, or Calvinists, who at this time were^ 
quite numerous. These acts produced terrible re-s^ 
suits. Parhament sided with the Pmitans ; and, re- 
fusing the demands of Charles for supplies, taunted^ 
him with his open infringement of their privileges, Im 
illegal levy of taxes, and his interference with the re- 
ligious rights of his subjects. Charles, in despair, 
dissolved the Parliament, and convened another, buti 
with no better success. The new Parliament causei|< 
the chief advisers of the King, the Earl of Strafford 
and Archbishop Laud, to be condemned and b< 
headed ; and, finally, the rupture between Charl 
and his Parliament became so complete, that hot 
parties resorted to arms, and a civil war in every part; r 
of the king ]om was the consequence. A. C . 1642. 
Question. — What was done by the new Parliament, and 
what finally happened ? 






HISTORY ^MODERN. 195 

3. Charles, supported by the friends of the Estab- 
lished Church, and his Catholic subjects, who were 
styled Cavaliers, gained several advantages, at first, 
over the Parliamentary forces, composed of the Pu- 
ritans, and styled Roundheads. The King's armies 
were commanded, during the civil war, by himself, 
the Earl of Lindsay, Prince Rupert, and Sir Jacob 
Astley ; and the chief command of the army of the 
Parliament was successively held by the Earl of Es- 
sex, Lord Fairfax, and Ohver Cromwell. In the bat- 
tles of Edgehill and Newbury, the King's forces had 
the advantage, but in those of Marston Moor and 
Naseby, they were entirely routed. A. C. 1645. 

4. The disastrous battle of Naseby having com- 
pletely prostrated the power of Charles, he tnisted 
in the loyalty of his Scottish subjects, and delivered 
himself into tiieir hands. They, however, to their 
eternal shame, delivered the unhappy monarch to the 
Parliament, for the sum of £400,000. After an im- 
prisonment of two years, Charles waa arraigned be- 
fore a tribunal established by Parliament, and tried, 
condemned, and beheaded as " a traitor, tyrant, and 
murderer." He received his sentence from his ruth- 
less and vindictive judges vnth firmness, though pro- 
testing against their authority to try him, and met 

Questions. — 3. What party was at first successful ? Who 
supported Charles? Who the Parliament? Who were the 
commanders on both sides ? What was the result of the civil 
■war ? 4. What happened after the battle of Naseby ? What 
was the fate of Charles ? 



196 HISTORY — ^MODERN. 

his fate with a serene and dignified composure, truly 
royal. A. C. 1649. 

5. Soon after this event, which shocked the bet- 
ter feelings of the nation at large, the regicides abol- 
ished the monarchy and the House of Lords, and a 
Republican government was established, with the 
supreme power resting in the House of Commons. 
Episcopacy had been abolished after the execution of 
Laud, and Presbyterianism had become the ascend- 
ant religion in the kingdom. But now a new party, 
called Independents, rapidly acquired power from the 
influence and aid given to them by Fairfax and Crom- 
well, at the head of the army of the Commonwealth, 
and finally they absorbed all the authority. 

6. In the mean time, the Scots and the Irish people, , 
and many of the English, shocked at the barbarous 
murder of the King, rebelled against the authority 
of the usurpers. Cromwell, leaving the Enghsh reb- 
els to be dealt with by some of his generals, passed 
rapidly over to Ireland ; and having there crushed 
the insurgents, returned, and, advancing against the 
Scots, defeated them in the battle of D unbar. C harles 
II., son of the late monarch, however, penetrated into 
England with an army ; but Cromwell, having rap- 
idly followed, overtook him at Worcester, where a 

Questions. — 5. What was done by the regicides shortly after? 
What became of the ascendant rehgion in the kingdom ? What 
new party acquired power, and by whom was aid given? 
6. What occurred in the mean time ? What did Cromwell 
do ? AVhat did Charles II. do, and what became of him ? 



HISTOKY MODEKN. 197 

battle was fought, and the Royahsts were entirely 
defeated. Charles escaped to France with great dif- 
ficulty, and Cromwell entered London in triumph. 
A. C. 1651. 

v. The next year a war broke out between Eng- 
land and Holland, on account of the Navigation Act, 
which, while it was the source of the greatest bene- 
fits to the English interests, bore oppressively upon 
those of Holland, at that time one of the leading 
commercial powers of Europe. This war, illustrated 
by a series of naval battles, terminated in the triumph 
of the English flag. The English admiral, Blake, 
and his rivals, the great Dutch naval commanders, 
Van Tromp and De Ruyter, were the leading heroes 
in this contest. A. C. 1653. 

8. At this time, the Parliament, which had then 
been in session twelve years, and is known in history 
as the Long Parhament, incurred the displeasure of 
Cromwell, who, secure in the attachment of the army, 
resolved, by terminating its existence, to invest him- 
self with supreme power. With a body of 300 sol- 
diers, ready at the first signal to support him, he en- 
tered the Parliament-house, and, having vehemently 
upbraided the assembly, declared the Parhament dis- 
solved, turned the members from the house, and 

QiTESTioNS.— 7. Between whom did a war break out, and 
what was its cause ? In what did the war terminate ? Who 
were the leading heroes in the contest ? 8. Who incurred the 
displeasure of Cromwell ? On what did Cromwell resolve, and 
what was the result ? 

17* 



198 HISTORY MODERN. 



W^^ 



locked the doors. Cromwell then called a new 
liament, composed of narrow-minded fanatics, which, 
from the quaint name of a leading member — Praise- 
God Barebones — was styled Barebones' Parliament. 
This body met in April, 1653, and was dissolved in 
the following December ; at which time a new con- 
stitution was formed, and Oliver Cromwell gained the 
great object of his ambition — a King in all but name. 
He assumed the title of Protector. He coveted the 
title of King, but feared to assume it. 

9. Cromwell administered the government with 
great ability, and became the most powerful ruler in 
Europe. He made the English Commonwealth re- 
spected throughout the world; and his fleets and 
armies added new and brilliant lustre to the fame of 
England. He was one of the most extraordinary men 
of modern times ; and up to the time of Napoleon, 
there was no personage in history who equalled hhn 
in the singular and powerful combination of talents 
as a warriour and a statesman. His character, how- 
ever, is distinguished by many traits which render 
.his name odious, and sully the great qualities which 
he really possessed. His hypocrisy was only equalled 
by his ruthless cruelty ; and his unbounded and self- 
ish ambition prompted him to sacrifice the freedom 
of his country, and to trample upon those very prin- 
ciples to the advocacy of which he owed his power, 

Questions. — What was the new Parliament called ? What 
did Oliver Cromwell gain, and what did he assume ? 9. What 
is said of Cromwell's acts ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 1 99 

and to the observance of which he stood pledged 
before mankind. He was deeply imbued with the 
religious fanaticism which formed so prominent a fea- 
ture in the characters of his puritanical followers, and 
which influenced" the whole tenour of his life. His 
Protectorate, which forms a short but brilhant period 
of five years, was ended by his death, which occurred 
September 3, 1658. 

10. He was succeeded in office by his son, Rich- 
ard CroniAvell, who, possessing none of the abilities 
which distinguished his father, retired in the course 
of a few months. The wretched state of affairs which 
immediately followed called for prompt and decisive 
action ; and, through the instrumentaUty and ability 
of General Monk, afterwards Duke of Albemarle, 
a neAv ParHament was assembled, and Charles II. 
was proclaimed King, and restored to the throne of 
his ancestors. A. C. 1660. 

11. Charles II. commenced his reign by the pas- 
sage of an act of general amnesty, but excepted all 
those who immediately participated in the death of 
his father. Ten of the judges who had condemned 
him were accordingly executed. Episcopacy was 
re-established. A war was declared by England 
against Holland, in 1664, which lasted for three years, 



Questions. — What is said of the character of Cromwell ? 
10. Who succeeded him in office ? What followed ? 11. How 
did Charles II. commence his reign 1 What were some of the 
events of his reign ? 



200 HISTOET — MODEEN. 

and was concluded by a treaty at Breda, by which 
the Dutch ceded to the English the colony of New 
Amsterdam, in America, which was thenceforth 
styled New York. 

12. During this war, London was visited by the 
horrom-s of pestilence and conflagration. Upwards 
of 100,000 inhabitants fell victims to the Plague; 
and in the same year the Great Fire -of London 
reduced to ashes 13,202 dwellings, 80 churches, 
many hospitals, and other public buildings. A. C. 
1666. 

13. Charles II. was distinguished by the same des- 
potic and arbitrary disposition which characterized 
all the Stuarts. He was, moreover, ruinously prodi- 
gal, and in his morals loose and dissolute. His court 
reflected but too truly these characteristics of the 
monarch, and a general dissoluteness of manners and 
morals prevailed in the metropohs. 

14. During his reign the Catholics were persecuted, 
on account of being falsely charged by a notorious 
perjurer, Titus Gates, with being engaged in a con- 
spiracy against the Government. Among the distin- 
guished Catholics who fell victims to this infamous 
falsehood was the Earl of Stafford. The Rye House 
Plot, although by some doubted as having had any 
real existence, was detected in 1683. The Duke of 



Questions. — 12. What happened during this war ? 13. What 
is said of Charles 11. and lus Court ? 14. What other events 
occurred in his reign ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 201 

Monmouth, the King's natural son, and Lords 
Shaftesbury, Russell, Grey, and others, were im- 
pHcated in this treason, which contemplated the 
assassination of the King ; and Lord Russell and 
Algernon Sydney were executed. The passage of 
the great Habeas Corpus Act, securing all persons 
from unjust or illegal imprisonment, took place in 
this reign, in 1678. 

15. Charles, having died without legitimate issue, 
was succeeded, in 1685, by his younger brother, 
James XL, who, immediately after his accession, made 
public profession of the Catholic religion. He was 
shortly after compelled to crush a rebellion, fomented 
by the late King's illegitimate son, the Duke of Mon- 
mouth, who aspired to the throne. The rebels were 
defeated ; and Monmouth, being taken prisoner, was 
beheaded. James subsequently granted to his sub- 
jects universal liberty of conscience ; but being too 
eager and imprudent in his endeavours to forward 
the interests of the religion he had embraced, in- 
curred the aversion of his Protestant subjects. They, 
in consequence, invited William, Prince of Orange, 
who had married Mary, eldest daughter of James, 
to supplant him, and assume the government. Wil- 
ham, accordingly, crossed over to England with a 
large army ; the principal nobihty and officers joined 



Questions. — 15. Who succeeded him ? What occurred after 
the accession of James II. ? What occurred subsequently ? 
What is this event styled, and how did it result ? 



202 HISTOKY ^MODEEN. 

Hs standard, and James, finding himself betrayed 
and abandoned even by his own children, fled to 
France. The throne was proclaimed vacant, and the 
crown was settled upon William and Mary. A. C. 
1688. This event is styled The Revolution, which 
resulted in the permanent establishment of many 
important principles of the British Constitution, as it 
now exists. Catholics were declared excluded from 
the right of accession to the throne, which was settled 
on William and Mary, and their heirs ; and the rights 
of the people and the prerogatives of the King were 
fully and clearly defined. 

16. James, in the mean while, determined to make 
an effort to regain his lost power ; and, encouraged 
by the loyalty and devotion of the people" of Ireland, 
landed at Kinsale, made a pubhc entry into Dubhn, 
and placed himself in command of a large army. 
He was, however, defeated by William in the disas- 
trous battle of the Boyne, and escaped once more to 
France. A. C. 1690. The battle of Aughrim over- 
whelmed the hopes of his adherents in Ireland, and 
that country submitted to the authority of William. 

lY. On the death of William, in 1702 (Mary hav- 
mg died seven years before), the crown devolved on 
Anne, the second daughter of James II. Her reign 
Vas distinguished for the brilliant military career of 



Questions. — 16. What was the subsequent course of James? 
What was the result ? 17. Who succeeded hhn ? What dis- 
tinguished her reign ? 



HISTORY MODEEN. 203 

the Duke of Marlborough, in the war in which Eng- 
land, Germany, and Holland were united against 
France, and which was terminated by the Peace of 
Utrecht, in 1713; for the Constitutional Union of 
Eno-]and and Scotland, under the name of Great 
Britain ; and on account of the flourishing state of 
science and literature. Anne was the last sovereign 
of the House of Stuart, and died A. C. 1714. 



SECTION IX. 

House of Brunswick : from the Accession of George I., A. C. 
1714, to 1851. 

1. According to the Law of Succession, enacted 
in 1701, settling the crown in the hne of the Prin- 
cess Sophia Palatine, after Wilham and Anne, George, 
Elector of Hanover, who was the son of the Princess 
Sophia, and great-grandson of James I., succeeded 
to the throne, on the death of Anne, with the title of 
George I. A. C. 1714. 

2. The two great parties which had, since the time 
of Charles II,, divided the kingdom, were styled 
Whi^s and Tories : the former advocatins" the rinrhts 
of the people ; the latter favouring those of the 

Questions. — When did Anne die ? 1. "Who succeeded 
Anne ? 2. What were the two great parties in England 
Btyled ? What was George's choice, and what followed ? 



204 HISTORY MODERN. 

Crown. George I., on Ms accession, placed tlife 
Whigs in power, as they were his strongest advo- 
cates, and dismissed the Tory ministry. This pro- jji 
duced a great ferment, and many of the enrageiM 
Tory leaders took part in the rebellion, which then 
broke out in Scotland, in favour of the Pretender, 
Charles Stuart, son of James II. The battles of 
Preston and Sheriff Muir, however, in which George's 
forces were victorious, crushed this outbreak. The 
subsequent part of this reign was generally pacific 
and prosperous. 

3. George I. was succeeded, in 1727, by his son, 
George 11. , a monarch whose pohcy was warlike, and 
the military movements of whose reign were numer- 
ous and important. On his accession, he concluded, 
by treaty, a war with Spain, which had languished 
during the reign of his father. Hostilities, however, 
were revived with that country in lYSO. In 1*744, 
England declared war against France, and assisted 
Maria Theresa in the war of the Austrian Succession, 
which we have already noticed in the history of 
France. In 1745, Charles Edward, son of the Pre- 
tender, made a gallant effort to regain the throne of 
his ancestors. He invaded Scotland, and defeated 
the royal forces at Preston Pans; penetrated into 
Northumberland ; took Carhsle, and advanced as far 
as Derby. The next year he was again victorious in 



Questions. — 8. Who succeeded George I. ? "What is said of 
George 11. ? What are some of the events of his reign? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 205 

the battle of Falkirk; but was finally completely 
defeated at Culloden, and compelled to fly to France. 
This was the last effort of the Stuarts to reascend 
the throne. In 1756, war was renewed between 
England and France. This war, growing out of the 
American possessions of the two powers, is known 
in this country as the French and Indian War. It 
terminated unfavourably to France, which power 
was finally compelled, by the treaty of Paris, in 1763, 
to yield Canada, Nova Scotia, and the island of Cape 
Breton, to Great Britain. 

4. George 11. was succeeded by his grandson, 
George III., in 1760. The reign of this monarch 
was the longest and most eventful in the annals of 
England. In 1762, Great Britain declared war 
against Spain, and took possession of several of the 
islands in the Spanish West Indies. In 1765, the 
British took possession of Bengal, in the East Indies, 
and subsequently extended their dominions over a 
vast portion of India. In 1775, the American Revo- 
lution (of which we treat hereafter) broke out, and 
ended, in 1783, in the triumph of the American 
patriots, and the independence of the United States. 
In 1793, Great Britain declared war against the 
French Revolutionists, and commenced that series of 
military and naval operations against France which 



Questions. — 4. Who succeeded George II. ? What is said 
of the reign of George III. ? What events happened during 
the reign of George III. ? 

18 



206 HISTORY MODERN. 

have already been noticed in the history of that coun- 
try, and which ended in the triumph of the Allied 
Powers of Europe over Napoleon, in 1815. In 1798, 
a rebellion broke out in Ireland; and in 1800, that 
ill-fated country was united to Great Britain. In 
1811, the King having become insane, his son, the 
Prince of Wales, was appointed regent. In 1812, 
the United States of America declared war against 
Great Britain. This war, which was concluded by 
the treaty of Ghent, in 1815, will be noticed hereafter. 
George III. died in 1820, having reigned sixty years, 
during which some of the greatest men who have 
illustrated the history of any country were grouped 
around his throne, as statesmen, generals, philoso- 
phers, orators, and poets. 

5. The Prince of Wales, who, during the last ten 
years of his father's life, had acted as Regent, suc- 
ceeded in 1820, with the title of George IV. He 
was a monarch of considerable abilities, although 
his early life had been spent in prodigality and dis- 
sipation. The most important events of his reign 
were the still further extension of the British Empire 
in India ; the aid extended by Great Britain to the 
Greeks, in their struggle for independence, which 
was secured by the naval victory of Navarino, over 
the Turks, by the combined fleets of England, France, 



Questions. — When did he die, and what is said of the 
men of his time ? 5. Who succeeded George III. ? What is 
said of him ? What were some of the events of his reign 1 



HISTOKY MODERN. 207 

and Russia, in 1827 ; and by the passage, in 1829, 
of the Catholic Emancipation Bill, which relieved 
the Catholics of Great Britain and Ireland from 
most of the disabihties under which they had so 
long been crushed. 

6, George IV. was succeeded, in 1830, by his 
brother, William, Duke of Clarence, with the title of 
William IV. During the pacific reign of this mon- 
arch, a great measure of parliamentary reform was 
passed by both houses, after having long agitated 
the nation. It related to the mode of representation, 
and passed in 1832. 

1. William IV. was succeeded, in 1837, by Vic- 
toria, the daughter of his brother, the Duke of Kent, 
whose reign, if distinguished for nothing else, will 
be remembered for the injustice exercised under it 
towards the suffering Irish, and the mischievous at- 
tempt of a British Minister to array one portion of 
his fellow- subjects against the other, by procuring 
the passage of a law, prohibiting to Catholics the 
use of ecclesiastical titles — a law that from the first 
was treated as a nuUity by those it was intended to 
annoy. 



Questions. — 6. Who succeeded George IV. ? What hap- 
pened during the reign of William IV. ? 7. By whom was he 
succeeded ? For what will the reign of Victoria be remem- 
bered ? 



208 HISTORY — MODEEN. 



CHAPTER IV. 

SCOTLAND. "m 

From the Earliest Accounts, to the Accession of James VI. . 
to the Throne of England. A. C. 1603. , 

1. Scotland, wliicli forms the northern portion of 
the island of Britain, is supposed to have been peo- 
pled by the Britons from the southern portion, or by 
the Caledonians, both of Celtic origin, who, previous 
to their permanent estabhshment there, had been 
forced by the tide of emigration from the Continent 
to the shores of Ireland, about a century before the 
birth of Christ. In the latter country, from this cir- ' 
cumstance, they acquired the name of Scuyts, or 
"Wanderers, from which, it is supposed, the modern 
name Scots is derived. About 320 A. C, a large 
portion of them, under the conduct of Fergus, re- 
turned to Britain, and settled on the western coasts^ ' 
of that portion now known as Scotland, and then 
termed Caledonia ; and shortly after they appear 
connected with the Picts, another tribe inhabiting 
the country, in predatory expeditions against the 
Romans and Britons inhabiting the south of the 
island. 



Question. — ^1. "What are the early accounts of the Scots 
and their settlement in Scotland ? 



HISTORY MODEEN. 209 

2. After they had been — as we have seen — finally 
driven back from the borders of England by the 
Saxons, the Scots, Picts, and Caledonians turned 
their arms against each other, and carried on a con- 
tinued Avarfare until about the year 843 A. C, when 
Kenneth II., King of the Scots, conquered the other 
tribes, brought the country to subjection, and first 
gave it the name of Scotland. 

3. After Kenneth II., who was the thirtieth King 
of the Scots in a direct line from Fergus, there were 
fifteen kings in regular succession, to the time of 
Duncan, in 1040 A. C, when that monarch was mur- 
dered by his cousin, Macbeth, who usurped the throne, 
and, having reigned fifteen years, was killed in battle. 
The rightful heir, Malcolm III., son of Duncan, then 
succeeded ; and after him there were ten kings to 
the time of John Bahol, who was dethroned by Ed- 
ward I., of England, in 1296 A. C. Shortly after 
this event — as we have seen — Sir William Wallace 
made a gallant but ineffectual struggle to regain the 
independence of his country — a struggle which was, 
however, afterwards renewed by King Robert Bruce, 
who had succeeded to the throne, and rendered 
triumphant on the field of Bannockburn. A. C. 
1306. 

4. Da-vid II., who succeeded Robert Bruce, hav- 

QuESTiONs.— 2. What happened after the Scots and Pieta 
had been driven from England by the Saxons ? 3. What was 
the succession of Kings to the time of Eobert Bruce ? 4. 
What happened on the death of David II. ? 
18* 



210 HISTORY ^IklODEKN. 

ing died without issue, was succeeded, in 1370 A. C, 
by his nephew, Robert Stuart, with the title of 
Robert II. — the first of the Royal House of Stuart, 
which afterwards figured so conspicuously in the 
annals of England. After him, there were eight 
sovereigns of that family in regular succession, who 
sat on the throne of Scotland, namely — Robert IIL, 
James I., James II., James III., James IV., James 
v., Mary — the beautiful and unfortunate queen who 
fell a victim to the insatiable cruelty of Elizabeth, of 
England — and her son, James VI. 

5. James VI., who ascended the throne of Scot- 
land in 1587 A. C, governed the kingdom with con- 
siderable ability, until the year 1603 A. C, when, 
as we have seen, on the death of Elizabeth, he sue- • 
ceeded to the throne of England, with the title of 
James I. Since that period, the two thrones have jl 
been united, and the history of Scotland became ^ 
merged in that of England. 

1 



Questions. — How many of tlie family of Stuart reigned 
Scotland ? 5. What is said of James VI. ? What happened 
in 1603 ? What is said of the history of Scotland since then? 



in 1^ 
ed 



HISTORY MODERN. 211 

CHAPTER V. 
lEELAND. 

1. The early history of Ireland is involved in great 
doubt and confusion. The country appears to have 
been inhabited as far back as 3040 B.C., by a peo- 
ple called Fermorans, concerning whom there is no 
reliable accounts. Milesius, with a colony, supposed 
to be Phoenicians, from the coast of Spain, landed in 
Ireland, according to some, about IQOO B. C, and, 
according to others, at a much later period. From 
his three sons, Heber, Ir, and Heremon, as also from 
his uncle, Ith, descended all the kin2:s who reined 
in Ireland, down to the invasion and subjugation of 
the country under Henry IL, of England. A. C. 
11V2. 

2. After the colonization by the Milesians, the island 
was divided among several princes, who governed the 
different provinces, with the title of Kings ; but its 
history presents nothing worthy of notice here, up to 
about the year 430 A. C, when the great Apostle 
St. Patrick, being sent by the Pope, arrived in the 
island, and commenced preaching the Gospel. His 
success was miraculous ; the whole island soon be- 
came Christianized. St. Patrick founded 355 church- 

QuESTioNs. — 1. What is said of the early history of Ireland? 
What are the early accounts given ? 2. What happened after 
the colonization by the Milesians ? 



212 HISTORY MODEEN. 

es, and consecrated as many bishops. He lived in 
Ireland sixty-one years. 

3. After this period, learning flourished in Ireland 
to such a degree, during three or four centuries, that, 
according to the Venerable Bede, an eminent doctor 
and historian of England, who lived early in the eighth 
century, the youth of the most respectable families 
of the various nations of Europe were sent there for 
education. 

4. In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries, 
however, the incursions of the Danes, in connexion 
with civil war and domestic dissensions, produced a 
retrogression in manners and civilization. The Danes 
were, after long and desperate conflicts, finally over- 
thrown and expelled from the country by the famous 
Irish king, Brian Boru, in the great battle of Clon- 
tarf. A. C. 1039. 

5. The evil day of Ireland arrived about the mid- 
dle of the twelfth century. Dermot Mac Murrough, 
King of Leinster, having carried off" the wife of 
O'Rourke, another prince of the country, the kings 
of the other provinces, headed by O'Connor, the 
paramount King of Ireland, united to avenge the out- 
rage. Mac Murrough, being defeated, fled the king- 
dom, and besought the aid of Henry II., of England, 
who, though at the time engaged in war with the 

Questions. — 3. What flourished in Ireland after this period ? 
4. What occurred in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries ? 
How were the Danes expelled ? 5. What were the circum- 
stances leading to the invasion of Ireland by the English 2 



II 



HISTORY ^aiODERN. 213 

Frencli on the Continent, gladly yielded to the solici- 
tations of the traitor, and authorized the Earl of Pem- 
broke, surnamed Strongbow, to invade Ireland. Ac- 
cordingly, Strongbow, with about 3000 men, landed 
in the country in 1 169 A. C, took possession of Wex- 
ford, Waterford, and Dublin, and restored his throne 
to Mac Murrough. Subsequently, in 11 '72 A. C, 
Henry II. himself, with the flower of his nobility and 
about 4000 choice troops, landed in Ireland, and 
forced the submission of all the kings of the country, 
except the King of Ulster. After the return of 
Henry to England, however, the Irish arose against 
the invaders, and, after a protracted and bloody 
warfare, succeeded in narrowing the sovereignty of 
England in Ireland to a narrow strip of land on the 
coast of Leinster and Munster. 

6, Up to the reign of Edward II., of England, Ire- 
land was comparatively tranquil ; but at that time, 
the Irish, led by Edward Bruce, brother of the fa- 
mous Robert Bruce, of Scotland, made another des- 
perate struggle to overcome the English. After va- 
rious successes, however, they were defeated, and 
Bruce was slain. During the civil wars between the 
houses of York and Lancaster, in England, between 
the years 1453 and 1485 A. C, the Irish people were 
warm adherents of the house of York, and by their 
fidelity to that house brought down upon themselves 

Questions. — Wliat was the result of the invasion ? 6, What 
happened during the reign of Edward II. ? What party was 
favoured bj the Irish in the civil wars of York and Lancaster ? 



214 IIISTOKY MODEEN. 

many severe and cruel trials. The measure of their 
misfortunes was filled in the reign of Elizabeth, who, 
actuated by a vindictive spirit of religious bigotry, 
enacted laws for the purpose of extirpating the Cath- 
olic religion from Ireland. The horrid details of the 
persecutions under which the Irish people laboured, 
in consequence of those fiendish enactments, during 
three centuries, would make the heart sick. Not- 
withstanding this cruel and inhuman policy, the ob- 
ject was never gained. On the contrary, Ireland clung 
with even greater tenacity to the Catholic religion ; 
and has remained to this day, through all her trials, 
unswerving and imcompromising in her devoted at- 
tachment to the faith which she received from the 
sacred mission of St. Patrick. 

7. During the reigns of the Stuarts, Ireland suf- -I 
fered great misery ; but after the execution of Charles 
I., and the accession of Oliver Cromwell to power, 
the unfortunate country passed through an ordeal of 
remorseless cruelty, unparalleled in the annals of any 
nation. From that period to the time of James IL, 
the miserable people of Ireland, stripped of their ^ 
rights, despoiled of their possessions, governed byj 
strangers, towards whom they entertained the stroi 
hate which centuries of cruel wrong had engendei 

Questions. — What is said of Elizabeth in regard to Ireland, ' 
and of the cruelty exercised ? What was the effect of this 
policy ? 7. What is said of Ireland during the reigns of the < 
Stuarts, and under Oliver Cromwell ? What is said of Ire- 
land from the period of Cromwell to that of James II. ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 215 

in their hearts, and compelled to contribute towards 
the support of a religion they despised, made no ac- 
tive resistance to the power of England. At that 
time, however, James II. having been, as we have 
seen, forced to abandon the throne on the approach 
of William, Prince of Orange, found in the Irish peo- 
ple his warmest and most devoted friends. The re- 
sult of their generous struggle is known : the battles 
of the Boyne and of Aughrim blasted the hopes of 
James, and entailed upon Ireland additional miseries ; 
although by the terms of the Treaty of Limerick, 
which closed the war, and which Avas afterwards 
grossly violated by the British government, the peo- 
ple of Ireland imagined that they had secured them- 
selves from further persecution. 

8. The heinous oppression and injustice of the 
British Government towards the people of Ireland 
continued, without restraint, up to the period of the 
American Revolution, when, the coasts of Ireland 
being exposed to the attacks of American privateers, 
and the British Government, being unable to guard 
against them, a large portion of the Irish people 
ai'med in their own defence, and enrolled themselves 
under the name of the Irish Volunteers. That noble 
band, Avith arms in their hands, afterwards extorted 
from the fears of Britain much that repeated appeals 



Questions. — What happened at the latter period? "What 
was the result of their effort iu favour of James ? 8. What 
happened at the period of the American Kevolution? 



216 HISTORY ^MODERN. 

to her justice had failed to obtain : the power of the 
British Parhament to bind Ireland was renounced. 
A. C. 1'782. 

9. But this concession proved an inadequate relief; 
and when the French Revolution of 1*789, and the 
events growing out of it, were agitating Europe, the 
Irish people made a gallant but ineffectual effort to 
obtain that complete independence to which, as a 
nation, they aspired. This struggle took place in 
1798, and is styled the Rebellion of that year. It 
was speedily crushed by British bayonets ; and two 
years after, in 1800, through the influence of fraud, 
bribery, corruption, and intimidation, the infamous 
Act of Union passed the Irish Parhament ; at once 
annihilating the independent nationality of Ireland ; 
reducing her to the degrading position of a province ; 
and exposing the noblest rights of her people to the 
arbitrary control of a foreign government, and an 
unfeeling and despotic ministry. 

10. Since that period, Ireland has languished 
through years of misery and degradation ; and though 
the passage of the Emancipation Act, in 1829, re- 
moving many of the disabilities which oppressed her 
Catholic population, gave some hope that she might 
yet regain, by peaceful effort, her sacrificed rights, 

Questions. — What was effected by the Irish Volunteers? 
9. What occurred during the period of the French Eevolu- 
tion of 1789 ? What was the result of the Eebellion of 1798, 
and what followed it ? 10. What has been the condition of 
Ireland since ? 



HISTOKY MODEEN. 217 

she still remains a miserable province ; and the noble 
efforts of Daniel O'Connell, after his triumph in the 
cause of Cathohc Emancipation, in the year 1829, 
have yet produced no satisfactory result. The cry 
for justice, which, from the impoverished and starving 
miUions of Ireland, has constantly risen to the British 
throne, has been cruelly disregarded ; and famine and 
pestilence, with all their attendant horrours, which 
have stalked through the devoted island — the terrible 
fruits of British cruelty and injustice — have failed to 
soften the stony heart, or awaken a feeling of sym- 
pathy in the bosom of that remorseless government. 
An attempt was made in 1848, by certain members 
of what was known as the " Young Ireland Party," 
enthely to throw off the British yoke ; but, from 
various, yet obvious, causes, hke all former attempts, 
it proved a failure, and only added to the misery it 
was intended to relieve. 



Questions. — What attempt was made in 1848 ? "What did 
it prove ? 

19 



218 HISTORY MODEEN. 

CHAPTER VI. 
GEKMANY. 

From, the Commencement of the Empire, under Charlemagne, 
A. C. 800, to 1851. 

1. Germany, in the time of the first Roman Em- - 
perours, was inhabited by many brave, hardy, and 1 
uncivilized nations, which the Romans could never r 
entirely subdue, and several of which, afterwards, on i 
the decline of the Western Empire, made incursions 
into several of the Roman provinces. But the his- ■ 
tory of Germany properly commences with the estab- ■ 
lishment of the new Empire of the West, by Charle- 
magne. That great monarch, who, as we have seen, 
succeeded his father, Pepin le Bref, to the throne of 
France, in 768 A. C, by rapid and splendid successes : 
brought under the crown of France the Netherlands, , 
Germany, Switzerland, a part of Italy, and also of f 
Spain. These vast dominions were styled the New ' 
Empire of the West ; and Charlemagne was crowned I 
Emperour, at Rome, by the Pope. A. C. 800. In 
843, the empire was divided into three monarchies — 
France, Germany, and Italy; and in 887, the im- 

QuESTioNs. — 1. What is said of Germany in the time of the 
Eoman Emperours ? When does German history properly 
commence ? What was the commencement of the Empire ? 
What happened in the years 843 and 887 ? 



HISTOKY MODEKN. 219 

perial dignity was transferred to Germany, which has 
ever since been distinguished in European history as 
the Empire. 

2. There Avere nine Emperom-s of the house of 
Charlemagne between the years 800 and 912 ; four 
of the house of Saxony between 919 and 1024 ; four 
of the house of Franconia between 1024 and 1125 ; 
six of the house of Suabia between 1139 and 1269. 
At the last-mentioned period, the house of Haps- 
bm'gh, or Ancient Austria, ascended the throne, in 
the person of Rodolph I., surnamed the Merciful. 
All the succeeding Emperours, twenty-seven in num- 
ber, who reigned in Germany up to the dissolution 
of the empire by Napoleon, in 1806, descended from 
the last-mentioned house, with the single exception 
of Adolphus of Nassau, who succeeded Rodolph I., 
in 1291 A. C. 

3. During the reigns of Henry IV. and Henry Y., 
of the Franconian line, between the years 1056 and 
1125, serious quarrels constantly existed between the 
Popes and the Emperours, growing out of the ques- 
tions of investiture — the Emperours claiming the 
right to nominate candidates for vacant bishoprics, 
and to put elected bishops in possession of their 
benefices. This right was denied by Pope Gregory 
VII., Hildebrand, its exercise being considered by 

Questions. — 2. What were the different houses that reigned 
in Germany, down to 1269 ? What happened at that period, 
and what is said of tlie subsequent Emperours ? 3. What 
occurred during the reigns of Henry IV. and Henry V. ? 



220 HISTORY MODERN. 

him an encroachment on the rights of the Church, 
During the reigns of most of the Emperows of the 
Suabian hne, there were also contests and disagree- 
ments with the Popes, arising out of the claim as- 
serted by them to hold their possessions in Italy in- 
dependent of the Emperours. 

4. In the reign of Albert I., the second Emperour 
of the house of Hapsburgh, the Swiss rebelled ; and 
afterwards, under the patriotic guidance of Wilham 
Tell, threw off the German yoke, and achieved their 
independence at the pass of Morgarten. A. C. 
1315. 

5. But little of general interest appears between 
this period and that of Charles V., also King of 
Spain, who succeeded his grandfather, Maximilian I., 
in 1519. We have noticed the celebrated contest 
which this distinguished sovereign maintained against 
Francis I., of France, who also aspired to the 
imperial throne. Charles V. was successful in the 
contest, and afterwards pursued a splendid career of 
victory. During his reign, the Reformation in Ger- 
many made rapid progress. In 1555, Charles re- 
signed the Netherlands to his son Philip ; the next 
year he abdicated the throne of Spain ; and eight 
months after, to the amazement of all Europe, he 
renounced the empire in favour of his brother Fer- 

QuESTioNs. — What occurred during the Suabian line of Em- 
perours ? 4. "What happened in the reign of Albert I. ? 5. 
What occurred during tlie reign of Charles V. ? How did 
Charles terminate his reign ? 



HISTORY MODEEN, 221 

dinand, having reigned as Emperonr thirty-seven 
years. After his resignation, Charles retired to the 
monastery of St. Just, in Spain, where, after two 
years spent in peaceful and pious pursuits, he died. 
A. C. 1558. 

6. Durino; the reip-ns of Ferdinand II. and Fer- 

es o 

dinand III., the fourth and fifth Emperours after 
Charles V., the empire was convulsed by the cele- 
brated thirty years' war, growing out of the religious 
dissensions produced by the Reformation. It was 
terminated by the peace of Westphaha, in 1648, by 
which the three religions. Catholic, Lutheran, and 
Cahdnistic, were admitted to the free and unrestrained 
enjoyment of their several tenets. 

7. The next war which distracted the empire was 
that of the Austrian Succession, already noticed in 
the history of France and England. The male 
branch of the house of Hapsburgh having become 
extinct on the death of Charles VI., in 1*740, his 
daughter, Maria Theresa, Queen of Hungary, claimed 
the succession. She was opposed by Charles, Elector 
of Bavaria, who also claimed the coveted throne, and, 
aided by Louis XV. of France, succeeded in being 
elected Emperour, with the title of Charles VII. 
Maria Theresa, however, prosecuted her claim with 
great energy, and, finally, being assisted by England, 

Questions. — 6. What occurred during the reigns of Ferdi- 
nand II. and Ferdinand III. ? How did the war terminate ? 
7. What was the next war ? What produced it ? How did 
it end ? 

19* 



222 HISTOKY MODERN. 

was successful, lier right being recognized by the 
peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748. 

8. The reign of Francis 11. , who ascended the im- 
perial throne in 1*794, was signalized by the wars of 
the French Revolution, the chief theatre of which 
was Germany. We have already detailed these mo- 
mentous events in the history of France. In 1806, 
Francis formally resigned the title of Emperour of 
Germany, and assumed the title of Emperour of Aus- 
tria. In 1815, a new union of the German States 
was adopted by the Congress of Vienna, called the 
Germanic Confederation, the affairs of which are 
regulated by a Diet, over which Austria presides. 
Francis was succeeded by Ferdinand in 1835, who 
abdicated, in 1848, in favor of his nephew. 

9. The pohtical convulsions that, in 1848 and 1849, 
shook Europe to its centre, threatened at one time a 
violent dismemberment of this great empire. But, 
though Right might have been on the side of Hun- 
gary and the revolted provinces. Might was certainly 
on that of Austria ; and her success in dealing with 
revolutions emboldened the Emperour, Francis Jo- 
seph L, in 1851, to declare himself an absolute sov- 
ereign. 

Questions. — 8. What occurred in tlie reign of Francis II. ? 
What took place in 1806 and 1815? 9. With what was the 
Austrian empire at one time threatened ? What has the Em- 
perour since declared hhnself? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 223 

CHAPTER VII. 

SPAIN. 
From the Fifth Century, A. C, <o 1851. 

1. Iberia, or Spain, long a province of the Ro- 
man empire, became, in common with the other prov- 
inces, the prey of the Northern barbarians, early in 
the fifth centmy. At that period, the Suevi, Van- 
dals, and Alains took possession of the country. They 
were shortly after subdued by the Visigoths, who 
erected a monarchy which existed until 712 A. C. 

2. At the last-mentioned period, the kingdom of 
the Visigoths in Spain was overthrown by the Sara- 
cens, who, having extended their conquests along the 
Northern coast of Africa, invaded Spain from Mau- 
ritania, whence they were styled Moors. They grad- 
ually overran the greater portion of the country ; and 
the power of the Visigoths became confined to the 
mountains of Asturia, whither they had retired in 
large numbers. 

3. In 755 A. C, the Moors established an inde- 
pendent Cahphate, the seat of which was at Cordova. 
This sovereignty existed for nearly 300 years ; after 

Questions. — 1. What is said of Iberia, or Spain, in tlie fifth 
century ? 2. What happened in V12 A. C. ? What became of 
the Visigoths? 3. What happened in 755 A. C, and after- 
wards ? / 



224 HISTORY — MODEEN. 

wliicli time, the dominions of the Moors became di- 
vided into a number of distinct sovereignties, the 
most important of which were, the Cahphate of Cor- 
dova, and, towards the close of their dominions in 
Spain, the Cahphate of Granada. 

4. The history of Spain dming several centmies, 
after the conquest by the Moors, presents a constant 
scene of warfare between the Christian forces and the 
Moors ; and gradually the former, from the mount- 
ains of Asturia, recovered their sway over other parts 
of the country. Several distinct Christian kingdoms 
were at different times erected, the most celebrated 
of which were those of Castile and Leon, Arragon 
and Navarre. 

5. In 1479 A. C, Ferdinand IL, surnamed the 
Catholic, who, five years previously, had married 
Isabella, Queen of Castile and Leon, succeeded to the 
throne of Arraa^on, and thus these two Idno'doms be- 
came united. The Moors had lost most of their 
power in Spain, and Granada was the only posses- 
sion they held at this period. This, after a long and 
desperate struggle, was also wrested from them by 
Ferdinand and Isabella, in 1492 A. C. Subsequently, 
in 1515, Ferdinand overthrew the kingdom of Na- 

QuESTioNs. — 4. What is said of the history of Spain during 
several centuries after? What Christian kingdoms were 
erected during this warfare? 5. What happened in 1479 
A. C. ? What is said of tlie power of the Moors in Spain at 
this period? What was the fate of Granada? What hap- 
pened subsequently ? 



HISTORY — MODERN. 

varre, and Spain, for the first time, became subject 
to one crown. 

6. In the memorable year 1492, at the moment 
that Ferdinand was triumphing over the Moors in 
their last stronghold, Christopher Columbus, under 
the patronage of Isabella, startled the world by the 
discovery of America, an event which will be noticed 
hereafter. 

Y. The discovery of America elevated Spain to a 
position of great power and wealth ; and that king- 
dom, in consequence, during the long reigns of Charles 
I., who was also Charles Y. of Germany, and his son, 
PhiHp II., took a leading part in the affairs of the 
world. The contests of Charles, as Emperour, we 
have already referred to ; also to the marriage of Philip 
with Mary of England, and his abortive attempt to 
invade Eno-land durino- the re\orn of Elizabeth. In 
1581 the Netherlands revolted from the authority of 
Philip, and formed the republic of the United Prov- 
inces, or Holland. 

8. But few events of general interest occuiTed dur- 
ing the reigns of the succeeding monarchs, until the 
reign of Ferdinand VII., who, upon the abdication 
of his father, Charles IV., in 1808, succeeded to the 
throne. He Avas soon after compelled to resign his 
crown and kingdom into the hands of Napoleon, who, 

Questions. — 6. What great event took place in 1492 ? 7. 
What was the effect on Spain of the discovery of America? 
What happened in 1581 ? 8. What is said of the succeeding 
reigns, to the time of Ferdinand VII. ? 



HISTORY7— MODEElSr. 

as we have seen, placed his brother Joseph on the 
throne, an act which produced the Peninsular War. 
That celebrated war resulted in the expulsion of the 
French in 1813. In 1814, Ferdinand VII. was re- 
stored to the throne, and marked his restoration by 
tyrannical and impolitic measures. Disregarding his 
oath, he annulled the Constitution which the Cortes, 
the representatives of the nation, had formed during 
the usurpation of Bonaparte, when, in point of fact, 
the national throne was vacated ; and although he 
owed his restoration to flie Cortes, he perfidiously 
imprisoned, exiled, or put to death the chief leaders 
of that patriotic body. But in 1820, the army, sup- 
ported by the people, compelled Ferdinand to accept 
the Constitution. 

9. Since that time Spain has been much disturbed 
by dissensions and civil war; and presents at this 
day but a sorry contrast to the golden era which, 
during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, illus- 
trated her history. 

Questions. — What then occurred, and what was the conse- 
quence? What happened in 1814? What is said of Ferdi- 
nand on his restoration ? What happened in 1820 ? 0. What is 
said of Spain since that period ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 227 

CHAPTER VIII. 

POKTUGAL. 
From the Fifth Century A. C, to 1851. 

1. Portugal, anciently called Liisitania, was con- 
quered by tlie Romans about 200 years before Christ. 
On the decline of the Empire, it, like Spain, was in- 
vaded and subdued successively by the Alains, the 
Suevi, and the Visisjoths, durino- the fifth and sixth 
centuries after Christ. The Visigoths, who took full 
possession of the country in 585 A. C, held it till 
after the battle of Xeres, in 712 A. C, when both 
Portugal and Spain, for the most part, passed under 
the dominion of the Moors, or Saracens. 

2. After this period, Portugal became the scene 
of long-continued contests between the Moors and 
the Christian Kings of Spain, until the reign of Al- 
phonso, King of Castile, who, having conquered the 
Northern provinces, rewarded the services of his 
grandson, Henry of Burgundy, by bestowing them 
upon him, with the title of Count. A. C. 1094. 
From the city of Oporto, which is situated in that 
part of Portugal, and which was formerly called Por- 



QuESTioNs. — 1. What is said of the early history of Portu- 
gal ? 2. What is said of Portugal after the conquest by the 
Saracens ? 



228 HISTORY MODERN. 

tus Calle, the whole country takes its name. Count 
Henry was succeeded by his son, Alphonso, who 
completely defeated the Moors at Ourique, threw off 
the Castihan yoke, and assumed the title of Kuig. 
A. C. 1139. 

3. From this period, the contests with the Moors 
and with the Castilians continued, with but httle in- 
termission, to the reign of John I., surnamed the 
Great, who became King in 1385 A. C. In addition 
to his signal victories over the Castilians, and his 
expeditions against the Moors, his reign was sig- 
nahzed by great maritime discoveries, and the im- 
pulse and encouragement given to commerce and 
navigation. 

4. The reign of John II., which lasted from the 
year 1481 to 1495, and that of Emanuel, from 1495 
to 1521, were also signalized by magnificent discov- 
eries, made under the auspices of the Portuguese 
crown. In 1486, the Cape of Good Hope was dis- 
covered by Dias ; in 1492, the same year in which 
Columbus discovered America, Congou, in Africa, 
was discovered by the Portuguese; in 1497, the 
Cape of Good Hope was doubled by Vasco de Gama, 
who by this means reached the East Indies, a dis- 
covery which gave to Portugal the important and 
profitable trade of those regions, which had, previous 

Qdestions.— 3. What is said of Portugal, from 1139 A. C. I 
"What signalized the reign of John I. ? 4. What signalized 
the reigns of John II. and Emanuel ? Mention the Portu- 
guese discoveries. 



HISTORY ^^lODERN. 229 

to that time, been monopolized by Venice, through 
the Red Sea and Egypt ; in 1500, Capral discovered 
Brazil, in South America; and in 1510, Siguira dis- 
covered the island of Sumatra. These great enter- 
prises elevated Portugal to a most imposing and 
brilhant position, which she maintained with great 
splendour to 1580, when Philip II., of Spain, took 
possession of the kingdom, and united it to his own. 

5. Between this period and the year 1640, during 
which Portugal was governed by the Spanish Kings, 
the kingdom rapidly declined, and the Dutch, or 
Hollanders, who, having thrown off the Spanish yoke 
under Philip II., had taken a most prominent position 
in commerce and maritime adventm*e, wi'ested from 
the Portuguese, in 1604, the greater part of their 
splendid dominions in the East and West Indies, and 
in Africa. 

6. In 1640, the Spaniards were expelled by the 
Portuguese, and the natural line of Kings was re- 
stored in the person of John, Duke of Braganza, 
whose family still retains the throne. After this 
time, to the year 1807, the history of Portugal, with 
the exception of her struggles with the Dutch to re- 
gain her lost possessions, and her wars with Spain 
and France, presents but little of general interest. In 
1807, Portugal being invaded by the French troops 

Questions. — What was the effect of these discoveries ? 5. 
What happened between 1680 and 1640 ? 6. What happened 
in 1640 ? What is said of the history of Portugal after that 
period ? What occurred in 1807 ? 
20 



230 HISTOEY — MODERN. 

sent there by Napoleon, the royal family removed to 
Brazil, where they remained until 1820, when they 
returned to Lisbon, with the exception of Don Pedro, 
the King's eldest son, who was left Regent. In 1823, 
a revolution having occurred in Brazil, that country 
was declared an empire, independent of the Portu- 
guese crown, and Don Pedro assumed the title of 
Emperour. In 1826, Donna Maria da Gloria, daughter 
of Don Pedro, the Brazilian Emperour, was proclaimed 
Queen of Portugal, under the regency of her aunt, 
Isabella ; but Don Miguel, a younger brother of 
Pedro, usurped the throne. The usurper, however, 
was soon after dethroned, and the direct line re- 
stored. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE ITALIAN STATES. 

1. We have seen that the downfal of the Western 
Empire of the Romans was completed in 476 A. C, 
when Odoacer, chief of the Heruh, overthrew the 
Emperour Romulus Augustulus, and assumed the title 
of King of Italy. In 493 A. C, Theodoric, King of 
the Ostrogoths, overthrew Odoacer, and took posses- 

QuESTioNS,— What occurred ia 1820? In 1823? In 1826. 
and since then? 1. "When did the kingdom of Italy com- 
mence ? What happened in 493 A. C. ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 231 

sion of the Herulian kingdom in Italy. The period 
between 535 and 553 A. C was signahzed by the 
operations of the Emperour of the East, Justinian I., 
to regain Italy. In these operations, conducted by 
the celebrated generals, Behsarius and ISTarses, he 
was completely successful. Dying shortly after, 
however, Justinian was succeeded by the weak Em- 
perour, Justin II., during whose reign, in 568 A. C, 
Alboin, the fierce King of the Lombards, poured his 
barbarous forces into the country, completely sub- 
dued the whole, except Ravenna and Rome, Avhich 
he was induced to leave unmolested, and assumed 
the title of King of Italy. 

2. From 568 to 114, the Lombard Kings ruled in 
Italy. This period is marked by strife and l)lood- 
shed. At length, Astolphus, the last king but one, 
having taken forcible possession of Ravenna, and 
threatened to carry his arms into Rome, the power- 
ful aid of France was invoked by Pope Stephen 11. 
Pepin le Bref, King of France, extended the aid, in- 
vaded Italy, defeated the Lombards, and bestowed 
upon the Pope, and his successors in the chair of St. 
Peter, the provinces he conquered, A. C. 755 ; thus 
conferring on the Head of the Christian Church the 
dignity of a temporal sovereign. The provinces thus 
bestowed are styled the Ecclesiastical States, and 

Questions. — What occurred between 535 and 553 A. C. ? 
"What happened during the reign of the Emperour Justin II. ? 
2. What is said of the period between 568 and 774 A. C. ? 
What at length happened ? 



232 HISTORY — MODERN. 

have been held and governed by the Popes, with 
but httle interruption, ever since. 

3. The Lombard kingdom in Italy was brought to 
a conclusion in 774 A. C ; when Charlemagne, King 
of France, having been appealed to by Pope Adrian 
I. for aid, completely overthrew Desiderius, the last 
King of the Lombards, and wrested from him the 
remnant of his dominions, which afterwards formed 
a part of the New Empire of the West. 

4. The history of Italy, after this period, is chiefly 
distinguished for the rise of the Italian Republics — 
the sanguinary feuds between the Guelphs and 
Ghibellines — the great influence exercised by the 
Popes of Rome over the aff'airs of Europe — and the 
illustrious position which the cities of Italy attained, 
and still hold, in art, science, and literature. 

5. The period of the Italian Republics — Venice, 
Pisa, Genoa, and Florence — forms a glorious, but at 
the same time a saddening portion of the history of 
Italy : glorious, on account of their noble enter- 
prises, extensive commerce, and internal magnifi- 
cence — saddening, in the fact that they marred their 
own splendour, and brought down ruin upon them- 
selves by their ill-fated divisions and wars with each 
other. The contests of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, 
which distracted the whole of Italy and Germany 

Questions. — 3. What terminated the Lombard kingdom in 
Italy ? 4. What distinguished the history of Italy after this 
period ? 6. What is said of the period of the Italian Kepub- 
lics, and of the feuds between the Guelphs and GhibelUnes? 



HISTORY MODERN. 233 

for three centuiies, grew out of tlie great questions 
of investiture, and of the temporal possessions of 
the Popes, Avhich produced the difficulties between 
the Popes and the German Emperours, during the 
reigns of the Franconian and Suabian lines of Em- 
perours. 

6. Prior to the period of the French Revolution, 
Italy was divided into many small States, some of 
which Avere monarchies — others, duchies — and others, 
republics. After the downfal of Napoleon, and the 
restoration of the Ecclesiastical States to the Pope, 
several modifications took place ; and the principal 
States of Italy were Lombardy and Venice, belong- 
ing to Austria ; the kingdom of Naples and Sicily ; 
the Ecclesiastical States ; the duchies of Modena, 
Parma, and Placentia, and Lucca ; the grand duchy 
of Tuscany, and the kingdom of Sardinia. The 
Httle republic of San Marino, under the protection of 
the Pope, still maintains its independence, which it 
has enjoyed for 1300 years. 

7. The pontificate of Pius IX., which began in 
1846, w^ill form an epoch in the history of Papal 
Rome. The splendid talents and noble character of 
this truly great man could not fail to command the 
admiration and respect of all who were capable of 
appreciating them ; while the readiness with which 



Questions. — 6. What is said of Italy prior to the French 
Revolution, and since ? 7. What is said of the pontificate of 
Pius IX. ? 

20* 



234 HISTOEY ^MODEEN. 

he yielded to the ^vishes of his people rendered him 
for a time the idol of popular adoration, and Jew 
and infidel grew eloquent in praise of " Pio Nono," 
who had cancelled all political offences by an am- 
nesty, and given to the Romans a Constitution, 
by which they should be governed in accordance 
with the spirit of the age. But the unstable mul- 
titude, listening to the counsels of designing men, 
soon became dissatisfied with the government of the 
hberal pontiff, and, presuming upon the kindness of 
his nature, which they mistook for weakness, en- 
deavoured to force him into measures which, as 
Head of the Church, and as temporal sovereign of 
the Ecclesiastical States, it would be impossible for 
him to sanction. For the sake of peace, he seemed 
at first disposed to gratify them, and, contrary to his 
own judgment, consented to the expulsion of the 
Jesuits, against whom the popular leaders adroitly 
directed the fury of their instruments. Instead, 
however, of being won to moderation by concessions, 
the opposers of the papal authority grew every day 
more unreasonable in their demands, and, when these 
were resisted, proceeded to such acts of violence as 
to oblige the Pope, for the preservation of his liberty, 
and perhaps his fife, to fly from Rome. He found 
refuge in Gaeta, within the kingdom of Naples, where 
he remained about a year and a half, when, by the 
aid of the French, he was enabled to return to the 
Eternal City. 



HISTORY — MODEEN. 235 

CHAPTER X. 
POLAND. 

1. Although the history of Poland dates its 
commencement in the middle of the sixth centmy 
after Christ, yet there is little of general interest imtil 
the fifteenth century. In the tenth century, during 
the reign of Mieczyslaus, Christianity was introduced ; 
and during the fourteenth century, the reign of Casi- 
mer III. was illustrated by the founding of the Uni- 
versity of Cracow, and the encouragement given to 
learning, industry, and commerce. 

2. The reign of Sigismund I., who ascended the 
throne in 1506 A. C, advanced Poland to its acme 
of prosperity. This flourishing condition was main- 
tained during the whole of the sixteenth century, 
after which it began to decline, owing to the wars 
with the Russians and the Turks, and the internal 
dissensions which distracted the country. The illus- 
trious John Sobieski, however, who was elected King 
in 1675 A. C, for a brief period upheld, by his pat- 
riotism and splendid talents, the declining fortunes of 
his country. His great victories over the Turks 
proved him one of the greatest generals of his age. 



Questions. — 1. What is said of the history of Poland? 
"What signaHzed tlie tenth and fourteenth centuries ? 2. 
What is said of the reign of Sigismund I. ? What is said of 
this flourishing condition ? What is said of John Sobieski ? 



23G HISTOEY MODERN. 

He died in 1696 ; and with him died the prosperity 
of Poland. 

3. Between IVOO and 1709 an unfortunate war 
was waged by Poland against Sweden, then under 
the sway of the celebrated Charles XII. The Poles 
were defeated ; the Polish King, Frederick Augustus, 
was deposed, and Stanislaus was placed on the throne 
through the influence of Charles XII. After the 
battle of Pultowa, in 1709, in which Charles XII. 
of Sweden was defeated by Peter the Great of 
Russia, Frederick Augustus was restored to the 
throne. 

4. Poland, weakened and distracted, after this 
became the prey of her powerful neighbours, Russia, 
Austria, and Prussia, all of which made inroads upon 
her, and finally, by three different partitions, annihi- 
lated her existence as a nation. The first partition 
took place in 1772 ; the second, in 1793 ; and the 
third, in 1795. These partitions, which robbed the 
unhappy Poles of their country and independence, 
are among the most infamous acts of modern times, 
and have brought down upon the powers concerned 
in them the deserved execration of the civilized 
world. 

5. The Poles, roused by the new Revolution in 



Questions. — 3. What occurred Letween 1700 and 1709 ? 4. 
What is said of Poland after this ? What were the partitions 
which dismembered it, and what is said of those partitions ? 
5. What is said of the Poles since ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 237 

France, made an effort to regain their independence, 
but the fearful odds against them rendered it una- 
vailing. 



CHAPTER XI. 

THE NETHEELANDS. 

1. The kingdom of the Netherlands was erected 
after the overthrow of Napoleon, in 1814, out of the 
United Provinces of Holland, and those of Flanders, 
or the Netherlands. During the Middle Ages, Hol- 
land and the Netherlands were imited to Germany, 
under one of the grandsons of Charlemagne, but 
became independent in the tenth century, when the 
supreme authority was vested in the united powers 
of a Count, the Nobles, and the Towns. In 1453, 
they became subject to the Dukes of Bm-gundy. In 
147 Y, the Emperour, Charles V., who was the heir 
of that family, transferred them to the House of 
Austria ; but the tyranny of his son, Philip II. of 
Spain, instigated them to throw off his yoke. Spain, 
and all Europe, recognized the independence of the 
United Provinces, in 1609. 



Questions. — 1. When, and out of what, was the present 
kingdom of the Netherlands erected ? What is said of Hol- 
land and the Netherlands, during the Middle Ages ? What 
occurred in 1477, and subsequently ? 



238 HISTORY MODERN. 

2. In 1621, the United Provinces maintained a 
second war with Spain : in 1652, the war which was 
declared against them by OHver Cromwell, and which 
has been noticed, commenced: in 1672, they resisted 
the invasion of the French, under Louis XIV. : in 
1780, a second war Avith Great Britain took place, 
in which the Hollanders lost most of their colonies ; 
and finally, in 1*795, the Provinces were oA'errun by 
the armies of the French Republic. In 1806, Na- 
poleon caused his brother Louis to be proclaimed 
King of Holland; in 1810 Holland was annexed to 
the French empire ; and in 1814, after the first de- 
thronement of Napoleon, the exiled Prince of Orange 
was recalled, and, Flanders being annexed to Hol- 
land, he assumed the title of King of the Nether- 
lands. 



CHAPTER XII. 

DENMAEK. 

1. The early history of Denmark is obscure and 
unimportant : the predatory and piratical expeditions 
of the inhabitants, which have been noticed in the 
history of England, being the only feature of those 
times worthy of particular interest. In 1387, Mar- 

QuESTioNS. — 2. What are the other events mentioned in 
their history ? 1. What is said of the early history of Den- 
mark? 



r 



HISTORY MODERN. 239 



garet, Queen of Denmark, having married Haguin, 
King of Norway, the two crowns became united; 
and in 1397, Margaret having conquered Sweden, 
the three crowns of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden 
became, by the treaty of Calmar, united. 

2. The three crowns remained united until 1523, 
when the celebrated Gustavus Vasa, of Sweden, at 
the head of the revolted Swedes, threw off the 
Danish yoke, and became King of Sweden. In 
1699, Frederick IV., King of Denmark, declared 
war against Charles XII., of Sweden, but was in the 
end obliged to sue for peace. The war terminated 
in 1*720, from which time, imtil 1801, Denmark en- 
joyed peace. 

3. At the latter period, during the reign of Chris- 
tian VII., Denmark having joined the confederacy of 
the Northern Continental Powers against England, 
who maintained the right to search neutral vessels, 
the British fleet, under Lord Nelson, attacked the 
batteries of Copenhagen. Hostilities soon after 
ceased ; but in 1807, the British again took occasion 
to bombard the city, under pretence that Denmark 
was about to aid France, and the whole of the Danish 
fleet was carried to England. From that period 
Denmark remained at peace, until the great commo- 
tions in Europe in 1848 and 1849, when she engaged 

Questions. — What happened in 1387 and 1397 ? 2. Up to 
what time did these crowns remain united ? What occurred 
in 1699 ? What is ^aid of Denmark between 1720 to 1801? 
3. What occurred in 1801, and subsequently ? 



240 HISTOEY MODERN. 

in a fierce conflict with Prussia, for aiding the inhabi- 
tants of Holstein, a Danish province, in theh revolt 
ascainst the Government. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

SWEDEN AND NOEWAY. 

1. Sweden and Norway formed the ancient Scan- 
dinavia — the region from which the Goths and Van- 
dals issued in their inroads upon the territories of the 
Roman empire. The first inhabitants of these coun- 
tries, as well as of Denmark, were the Cimbri. They 
were, originally, separate monarchies ; but their early 
history presents nothing of interest. As we haA^e 
seen in the notice of Denmark, Margaret, Queen of 
that country, having married Haguin, King of Nor- 
way, the two crowns became united in 1387, and to 
them was shortly added the crown of Sweden. 

2. Afier Gustavus Vasa had dissolved this union, 
and established the independence of Sweden in 1523, 
there were five kings descended from him to the 
celebrated Gustavus Adolphus, whose reign, com- 
mencing in 1611, was signalized by distinguished 
military exploits in wars with Russia, Denmark, and 
Poland, and by the ascendancy which at that time 

Questions. — What is said of Denmark since ? 1. What is 
said of the early history of Sweden and Norway ? 2. What 
is said of Sweden after Gustavus Vasa? 



HISTOKT ^MODERN. 241 

Sweden gained in the affairs of Germany. From 
this time, to the reign of the ambitious and warlike 
Charles XII., little of interest occurs. That mon- 
arch — who has been styled the Alexander of the 
North — was, throughout his reign, constantly en- 
gaged in war. He defeated the Danes in 1700 ; the 
same year he gained the great battle of Nerva, in 
which, with 8000 men, he defeated 100,000 Russians ; 
the next year he vanquished the Poles, near Riga, 
and took possession of Lithuania and Mittan ; and 
in 1*707 he entered Russia. There, however, after 
a series of battles, he was entirely defeated by Peter 
the Great, at the battle of Pultowa, in 1709, and 
obliged to take refuge with the Turks. He was 
killed by a cannon-ball in 17 17. 

3. Since the death of Charles XII., Russia has 
made gradual encroachments upon the territories of 
Sweden. Finland was taken from her in 1808 ; and 
Gustavus IV., whose extravagance and folly had pro- 
duced this disaster, being in consequence deposed, 
Bernadotte, one of the Marshals of Napoleon, was 
elected Crown Prince in 1809. On the death of 
Charles XIII., in 1818, Bernadotte succeeded to the 
throne with the title of Charles XIV. Since that 
time, Norway has become united to the crown of 
Sweden. 



Questions. — What marked the reigns of Gustavus Adolphus 
and Charles XII. ? 3. What has occurred since the death of 
Charles XIL? 

21 



242 HISTORY MODERN. 

CHAPTER XIV. 
PEUSSIA. 

1. The kingdom of Pmssia is quite modem, dating 
its establishment from the year 1701 A. C. Previous 
to that time, the territory now under the rule of the 
King of Prussia composed several States, the princi- 
pal of which was the Dukedom of Prussia. It now 
comprises, in addition to the ancient Dukedom, the 
Electorate of Brandenburg, which contains Berlin, 
the capital ; Silesia, conquered by Frederick II. ; and 
parts of Poland and Saxony. 

2. The foundation of the kingdom was laid by the 
celebrated Frederick William, surnamed the Great 
Elector, who, succeeding to the Electorate of Bran- 
denburg in 1640, by a most spirited reign of 48 
years, during which he was almost constantly engaged 
in the wars which distracted Europe at that -time, 
elevated the Electorate to an important and prosper- 
ous position. He was succeeded by his son, Fred- 
erick I., whose ambition for the title of King was 
gratified in 1701. 

3. The next distinguished King of Prussia was the 

Questions. — 1. "What is said of the kingdom of Prussia? 
What does it now comprise ? 2. Who laid the foundation of 
the kingdom ? By whom was Frederick William siicceeded, 
and what occurred in 1701 ? 3. Who was the next distin- 
guished King ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 243 

renowned Frederick 11. , surnamed the Great, who 
ascended the throne in 1740. He was the greatest 
warriour of his age ; and by the conquest of Silesia, 
in 1742, and the acquisition of New Prussia — which 
was his share in the infamous partition of Poland, in 
1772 — he greatly enlarged his dominions. During 
his reign, he was engaged in war with Austria, Russia, 
SAveden, France, and Saxony. He died in 1786, and 
was succeeded by Frederick William H., during 
whose reign the French Revolution of 1789 broke 
out, and the last execrable partition of Poland took 
place in 1795. 

4. Frederick William III. succeeded in 1797, 
amidst the storms which the French Revolution had 
aroused throughout Europe. For some time he con- 
trived to keep the kingdom aloof from the fierce con- 
tests which were raging in every direction ; but at 
last, in 1806, he joined the fourth great coalition 
against Napoleon, Having attempted, single-handed, 
to oppose the irresistible impetuosity of the French 
Emperour, the Prussian armies were signally defeated 
in the great battles of Jena and Auerstadt, and the 
kingdom was subjected to the mercy of the con- 
queror. By the treaty of Tilsit, in 1807, the King 
of Prussia lost nearly one-half of his dominions. 

Questions. — What is said of him ? When did he die ? Who 
{succeeded liim, and what afterwards took place? 4. Who 
Bucceeded in 1797, and under what circumstances ? What 
part did Prussia take in the wars of the French Eevohition, 
and with what result ? 



24A HISTORY MODERN. 

After the downfal of Napoleon, however, these 
losses were restored, with new accessions, by the 
treaty of Vienna, in 1815. Frederick WiUiam III. 
was succeeded by Frederick WilHam IV. 

5. In the great political drama enacted in Europe 
during the momentous years of 1848 and 1849, the 
part performed by Prussia will entitle her to a dis- 
tinguished place in the history of that eventful 
period. 



CHAPTER XV. 

EUSSIA. 

1. There is nothing of much importance in the 
history of Russia, until the reign of Peter the Great, 
who was, in fact, the founder of the Russian Empire. 
This extraordinary man succeeded to the throne in 
1696 A. C, and immediately commenced carrying 
out those brilliant plans which have deservedly ranked 
him among the greatest sovereigns of modern times. 
To learn the art of ship -building, he worked in dis- 
guise as a common workman, in the dock-yards of 
Amsterdam and in England ; he was successful in 
his war with the Turks, and contended against the 

Questions. — 5. What is said of Prussia in 1848 and 1849 ? 
1. "What is said of Eussia, to the time of Peter the Great? 
What is said of Peter the Great ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 245 

skill and valour of Charles XII., of Sweden, whom, 
after several defeats, lie at last conquered in tlie 
battle of Pultowa, in 1709. Amidst the wars which 
he was compelled to support, Peter did not forget 
the internal welfare of the empire. He made the 
most salutary regulations ; built the great city of St, 
Petersburg!! ; instituted a numerous infantry, and 
formed a powerful navy. 

2. Catherine II., the seventh sovereign after Peter 
the Great, after the dethronement and murder of her 
husband, Peter III., ascended the throne in 1*762, 
and had a long and splendid reign, during which 
she improved the internal affairs of the empire, and 
enlarged its dominions. She was, however, a heart- 
less and unprincipled despot. During her reign the 
three partitions of unhappy Poland took place. 

3. Catherine II. was succeeded, in 1*796, by her 
son Paul, Avho, after a short reign of five years, was 
assassinated, and was succeeded by Alexander in 
1801. The reign of this Emperourwas signalized by 
the prominent position which he took in the wars 
produced by the ambition of Napoleon, already no- 
ticed. In 1812, Napoleon made his unfortunate in- 
vasion of Russia, from which, after the burning of 
Moscow, he was compelled to make his disastrous 
retreat. In 1813, Alexander, after having been de- 

QuESTioNs. — 2. Who was the seventh sovereign after Peter 
the Great ? What is said of her and her reign ? 3. Who suc- 
ceeded Catherine II. ? Who succeeded Paul ? What occurred 
during the reign of Alexander ? 
21* 



246 HISTORY — MODERN. 

feated by Napoleon in several battles, was at length 
victorious at Leipsic; and in 1814, he entered Paris 
at the head of the Allies. 

4. In 1825, Alexander was succeeded by his 
brother Nicholas, whose reign has been signalized by 
wars carried on against the Turks, the Persians, the 
Hungarians, in connexion with Austria, and the Cir- 
cassians. The vast and growing influence which the 
Empire holds over the affairs of Europe is strikingly 
obvious from the momentous events which grew out 
of the new revolutionary movements. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

TUEKEY. 

1. In the seventh chapter of the "Middle Ages," 
we have given an account of the Ottomans or Turks, 
to the fall of the Eastern Empire of the Romans, in 
1453, when Constantinople fell beneath the power of 
the Turkish Sultan, Mahomet 11. After that period, 
the Turks extended their dominion over a great por- 
tion of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and established 
their empire over those countries which are most 

Qttestions. — 4. Who succeeded Alexander ? "What lias sig- 
nalized the reign of Nicholas ? "What is said of the influence 
of the Russian Empire in Europe? 1. "What is said of the 
Turks, after the fall of Constantinople, in 1453 ? 



HISTOKY MODERN. 247 

hallowed as the ancient homes of literature, science, 
and art. The reign of Solyman, surnamed the Mag- 
nificent, between 1520 and 1566 A. C, is illustrious 
for important conquests — Rhodes, Hungary, Assyria, 
Mesopotamia, Bagdad, and Tunis being successively 
brought under the power of the Turks. 

2. Since the reign of Solyman, Turkey has been, 
with but little cessation, engaged in wars : — with the 
Venetians in 1566, 1640, 1649, 1669, and 1715; 
with Persia in 1603, 1619, 1623, and 1Y21 ; with 
Germany and Austria in 1592, 1649, 1683, 1716, 
1737, and 1787 ; with Poland in 1621 and in 1672, 
when the Turks were defeated by the illustrious 
John Sobieski; and with Russia in 1736, 1768, 
1787, and 1808. The result of these wars was a 
great diminution of Turkish power in Em'ope, though 
it has not been materially diminished in Asia. 

3. But the severest blows which the Turks have 
received in Europe and in Asia have been given at 
a very recent period. In 1820, Greece, the classic 
land of Freedom, which had for centuries been 
crushed beneath the iron rule of Turkish despotism, 
revolted, and, after a seven years' struggle with her 
oppressors, aided by England, France, and Russia, 
achieved once more her independence in the naval 
battle of Navarino, in 1827, when she adopted a 



Questions.— What is said of the reign of Solyman ? 2. 
What is said of Turkey, since the reign of Solyman ? What 
was the result of those wars ? 3. What occurred in 1820 ? 



248 HISTORY MODERN. 

monarchical form of government, and accepted a 
foreign prince, Otho, for her king. In 1828, Avar 
broke out between Russia and Turkey, and resulted 
in great losses to the Tm*ks, not only in Europe, but 
m Asia. 

Question. — What occurred in 1828 ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 249 

PART FOURTH. 

AMERICA. 

Although the history of America is properly in- 
cluded under the general head of Modern History, 
which forms the caption of the third part of these 
" Outlines," yet such is its peculiar interest and im- 
portance, — so momentous have been the events flow- 
ing from its discovery and settlement, and so wide- 
spread has been the influence which it has exerted, 
and continues to exert, in the affairs of the rest of 
the world, that we have judged it better to assign 
it, although necessarily brief, a distinct division. 
This division Avill comprise, — 1st, Discoveries and 
Settlements ; 2d, North America to the period of 
the Revolution; 3d, The Revolution; 4th, The United 
States to the present time ; and, 5 th, Mexico and the 
South American States. 



CHAPTER I. 

DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 

1. The discovery of America is undoubtedly the 
greatest event of modern times. The age in which 

Question. — 1. What is said of the discovery of America, 
and the age in which it took place ? 



250 HISTORY MODEEN. 

it took place was well calculated to produce the 
spirit, genius, and enterprise which achieved.it. In- 
dependently of the enterprising spirit produced by 
the Crusades, the consequent decline of the Feudal 
System in Europe, and the revival of literature, art, 
and science accelerated by the events succeeding the 
taking of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453, — 
commerce, directed by the Italian cities of Venice, 
Genoa, and Pisa, had opened a new field for ambi- 
tious exertion, and held out brilhant inducements to 
feed the eager spirit of the age. 

2. The Italian cities, particularly Venice, previous 
to the period of which we speak, monopolized the 
lucrative trade of the East Indies, with which they 
had sole communication from the shores of the Medi- 
terranean through the Red Sea and the Isthmus of 
Suez ; and the wealth, power, and magnificence 
which they acquired from this trade, awakened a 
desire in other quarters to supplant them by dis- 
covering another and more advantageous route to 
the Indies. For this purpose the Portuguese made 
the most strenuous exertions, which were finally 
successful. Their attempt to reach a route by 
coasting the western shores of Africa led to the dis- 
covery of the Cape of Good Hope in 1486, and the 
doubling of that cape by the Portuguese navigator. 



Questions. — 2. What is said of the Italian cities previous to 
this period ? "VVliat attempts were made by tlie Portuguese, 
and with what success, to divert tlie commerce of the East ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 251 

Vasco de Gama, in 1497 ; and his reaching the shores 
of India gave at length a fatal blow to Venetian 
commerce, and diverted the trade of the East in 
favour of the Portuguese. 

3. But in the mean while, some years before the 
discovery of the Cape of Good Hope, a bolder and 
more splendid idea, originating from the same desire 
which stimulated the Portuguese, bm'st upon the 
mind of Christopher Columbus. He was a native 
of Genoa, and sprang from obscure and humble 
parentage. Having been engaged in a seafaring life 
from an early age, and possessing an active and in- 
quiring mind, from close study and patient investi- 
gation, this great man had obtained a knowledge of 
the true figure of the earth, far beyond what was 
common to the age in which he lived. He con- 
ceived the idea that, in order to balance the globe, 
another continent lay to the west ; and that the East 
Indies could be reached by sailing from Europe in a 
westwardly direction. 

4. Eight years, however, of constant suspense and 
disappointment intervened before he realized his lofty 
hopes. Unsuccessful but urgent applications were 
made for aid, first from his own countrj^men, and 
subsequently at the courts of Portugal, Spain, and 

Questions. — 3. "What happened in the mean while ? Who 
was Christopher Cohimbus, and what is said of him ? What 
idea did he conceive ? 4. What were the efforts of Columbus 
to obtain aid ? How, and from whom, did he at length re- 
ceive it ? 



252 HISTORY ^MODERN. 

England. His theory was treated with contempt, 
and his overtures were rejected. Cokimbus bore up 
under his disappointments with no common fortitude 
and perseverance. He was at last, through the in- 
fluence of some distinguished friends at the court of 
Spain, so fortunate as to win the favour of Queen 
Isabella, the consort of Ferdinand of Spain. Undei 
her generous patronage, three small vessels were fitted 
out for the proposed voyage. 

5. On the third of August, 1492, Columbus, with 
his small fleet, set sail from Palos, in Spain, and after 
a voyage of thrilling dangers and adventure, dis- 
covered the first land in the Western Hemisphere, on 
the 11th October, 1492. It was one of the Bahama 
Islands, and received from Columbus the name of 
San Salvador. During this voyage, Columbus also 
discovered the islands of Cuba and San Domingo. 

6. Columbus afterwards made three other voyages 
from Spain to the New World, discovering numerous 
other islands ; and in his third voyage he discovered 
the Continent of South America, A. C. 1498. 

7. Notwithstanding the vast wealth and impor- 
tance which this truly great man, through his dis- 



QuESTiONs. — 5. When did Columbus sail, and what was the 
result of the voyage ? What was the first land discovered ? 
What other islands were discovered during this voyage 1 G. 
What other voyages were made by Columbus, and what dis- 
tinguished his third voyage ? 7. What is said of the treat- 
ment which Columbus received from Spain, and how was he 
robbed of the honour of giving his name to the New World 2 



HISTORY MODERN. 253 

coveries, bestowed upon Spain, he, tlioiigh at first 
loaded with honours and distinction, at last received 
from that ungrateful kingdom the most shameful and 
ungenerous treatment ; and, by the fraud of Ameri- 
cus Vespucius, a Florentine, who, following the track 
of Columbus, in 1499, claimed the honour of first 
discovering the main-land, he was unjustly robbed of 
the distinction of giving his name to the New World. 
Columbus died at Valladohd, in 1506, about sixty- 
nine years of age. 

8. The wonderful success of Columbus roused a 
spirit for discovery throughout Europe. England, 
stung with regret at the brilliant prize she had re- 
jected, determined to profit by the splendid prospects 
which now dazzled the world. An English expedi- 
tion was set on foot under a commission from Henry 
VII., at the head of which was John Cabot, and his 
son, Sebastian Cabot. The Cabots set sail in May, 
1497, and discovered the Continent of North America. 
They sailed along the coast of North America, from 
Newfoundland, the land they first discovered, to 
Florida. In 1500, Cabra, a Portuguese, discovered 
Brazil. Florida was discovered in 1515. In 1524 
and 1534, the French made valuable discoveries in 
North America. In the latter year, Cartier, the 
French navigator, discovered the gulf and river St. 

Questions. — 8. "What was the effect of the discoveries of 
Columbus ? What course did the English take, and what was 
the result ? 

22 



254 HISTORY MODERN. 

Lawrence, and the next year sailed up that river and 
discovered the Canadas. In 1539, Soto, a Spaniard, 
reached the banks of the Mississippi. Several 
attempts, which have led to other valuable discov- 
eries, were afterwards made at various times, par- 
ticularly by the English, without success, to find a 
northwest passage to India. While engaged in one 
of these expeditions, Henry Hudson, in the service 
of the Dutch, discovered, in 1609, the fine river 
which bears his name, and on which the first per- 
manent settlements were made by the Dutch. 

9. Although, even in the time of Columbus, sev- 
eral settlements were made on the islands which he 
had discovered, some years elapsed before any were 
commenced by the Spaniards on the continent. The 
first important step taken by them for this purpose 
was that which was conducted by the celebrated Fer- 
nando Cortez, who, in 1519, with a fleet of eleven 
small vessels, having on board 617 men, sailed from 
Cuba for the invasion of Mexico, and landed at Vera 
Cruz. Thence, with his small and ill-conditioned force, 
he pushed rapidly into the interiour of the country to 
the Aztec city of Mexico, where he was received 



Questions. — What discovery was made in 1500 ? In 1515 ? 
In 1524 and 1534 ? In 1539 ? What led to other vakiable dis- 
coveries ? What occurred in 1609 ? 9. What is said of the 
settlements by the S^Daniards on the islands discovered by 
Columbus ? What was the first important step towards a set- 
tlement by them on the continent ? What was the course taken 
by Cortez ? 



HISTORY MODEKN. 255 

by Montezuma, the Mexican emperour, with every ap- 
pearance of amity. While in the city of Mexico, Cor- 
tez having- received intelhgence that the Mexicans 
had attacked the colony which he had left at Vera 
Cruz, and apprehensive of being cut off from a retreat, 
in case of necessity, conceived the bold design of se- 
curing the safety of himself and comrades, by seizing 
the person of the emperour. This he accomplished 
by stratagem ; but the inhabitants, roused to fury by 
the act, forced the Spaniards to abandon the city. 
In the tumult, Montezuma, whilst attempting to quell 
the insurrection, was slain by a stone thrown from 
among his own people. 

10. Montezuma was immediately succeeded by his 
nephew, Guatimozin, who continued the fierce resist- 
ance against the Spaniards. But nothing could over- 
come the courage and ardour of Cortez, who, having 
formed an alliance with the Tlascalans, a friendly 
tribe, and being reinforced by Spanish soldiery, com- 
pleted the conquest, and became master of the Mex- 
ican empire in 1521. 

11. In 1518, the Spaniards made a settlement at 
Panama, on the west side of the Isthmus of Darien. 
From this place Francis Pizarro, under a commission 
from Charles V., sailed, in 1525, in quest of the rich 

Questions. — What occurred after his reaching the city of 
Mexico ? What was the consequence, and what became of 
Montezuma? 10. Who succeeded Montezuma? What com- 
pleted the conquest of Mexico? 11. What settlement was 
made by the Spaniards in 1518 ? 



256 HISTORY MODERN. 

country of Peru; and afterwards, in 1531, invaded 
that empire, and, after a fierce resistance on the part 
of the inhabitants, subjected it to the Spanish crown. 
This conquest was marked by atrocities which have 
consigned the name of Pizarro to everlasting infamy. 

12. In North America the progress of settlement 
was more tardy than in the South. Upwards of 
eighty years elapsed before the Enghsh took any 
steps to avail themselves of their important discov- 
eries. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh, under a com- 
mission from Queen Elizabeth, reached America, and 
took possession of the country at the mouth of Al- 
bemarle Sound, and, in honour of the queen, named 
it Virginia. Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Francis Drake, 
and Sir Richard Grenville afterwards attempted to 
establish settlements in that part of the country, but 
without success. The first effectual attempt was 
made in 1607, during the reign of James I., when a 
party of adventurers, the most prominent of whom 
was Captain John Smith, settled on the Powhatan 
or James River, and commenced the building of a 
town, which they named Jamestown. 

13. In 1609, as we have seen, Henry Hudson, in 
the service of the Dutch, discovered the Hudson 
River, and the adjacent country. Afterwards, in 1514, 

Questions. — What expedition sailed from this place in 1525 ? 
What was the result? What is said of this conquest? 12. 
What is said of the progress of settlement in North America ? 
What happened in 1584, and afterwards ? When and where 
was the first effectual settlement commenced in Virginia? 



HISTOEY MODERN. 257 

the Dutch formed two settlements in that region, 
one at the present site of the city of Albany, and the 
other on Manhattan Island, where the city of New 
York now stands. They styled the country the New 
Netherlands, and the town on Manhattan Island New 
Amsterdam. In 1664, England, during the reign 
of Charles IL, having been engaged in a successful 
war with the Dutch, the latter, by the treaty of Bre- 
da, ceded to the former their colonies in America, 
which afterwards, in honour of the king's brother, the 
Duke of York, was styled New Yoik, the name it 
still retains. 

14. In 1620, during the reign of James I., the first 
permanent settlement was commenced in New Eng- 
land, at Plymouth, in Massachusetts, by a band of 
Puritans, a class of religionists, who, abandoning 
England on account of persecution from the estab- 
lished church, sought in the wilds of America the 
enjoyment of religious liberty. They had scarcely, 
however, estabhshed themselves in the New World 
before they themselves exhibited even greater intol- 
erance than that from which they fled, and most cru- 
elly persecuted all who differed from them in reh- 
gious belief. In 1628, the colony of Massachusetts 
Bay was commenced under John Endicott ; and in 

Questions. — 13. What were the first settlements in New- 
York ? What occurred in 1664 ? 14. When, and by whom, was 
the first settlement commenced in New England ? What is 
said of these settlers ? What settlements commenced in 1628 
and 1630? 

22* 



258 HISTOEY MODEEN. 

1630, John Winthrop commenced the settlement of 
Boston and other neighbouring places. 

15. In 1623, the settlement of New Hampshire 
was commenced at Dover and Portsmouth. The 
colonies at these places were annexed to Massachu- 
setts in 1641 ; but in 1679, New Hampshire obtained 
a separate government. 

16. In 1635, the settlement of Connecticut was 
commenced at Windsor and Wethersfield. In 1665, 
these colonies, and that which had been commenced 
at New Haven in 1638, were united. 

17. Rhode Island was first settled in consequence 
of religious persecutions in Massachusetts. Roger 
Williams, who was among those who early settled in 
Massachusetts, having differed in some points with 
his brother Puritans, was banished from that colony, 
and went with twelve of his adherents, and settled 
at Providence, in Rhode Island, in 1635. 

18. Delaware was first settled by a colony of 
Swedes and Fins, who came over and landed at Cape 
Henlopen, in 1627, and afterwards purchased of the 
Indians the land from Cape Henlopen to the falls 
of the Delaware, on both sides of the river. The 
country was called New Sweden. The Dutch, how- 
ever, who had settled at New Amsterdam, invaded 

Questions. — 15. What is said of the first settlement of New 
Hampshire ? 16. What were the first settlements of Connecti- 
cut, and what is said of them ? 17. What occasioned the set- 
tlement of Rhode Island ? 18. What was the fii'st settlement 
of Delaware ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 259 

and took possession of the Swedish settlement in 
1651 ; and it afterwards formed a part of New York, 
when the Enghsh supplanted the Dutch in 1664. 

19. In 1633, during the reign of Charles I., Lord 
Baltimore, a Catholic nobleman, and a man of dis- 
tinguished talents, applied for and obtained a grant 
of land upon Chesapeake Bay, about 140 miles long 
and 130 broad. Soon after, in consequence of per- 
secution in England, on account of their religion, 
Lord Baltimore and a number of Catholics came over 
and settled on this grant, which, in honour of the 
queen, Henrietta Maria, they named Maryland. The 
history of this colony presents, in several important 
respects, a striking and most pleasing contrast to that 
of most of the other colonies. Universal toleration 
of religion was, for the first time on this continent, 
proclaimed and protected by this colony, and a sys- 
tem of equity and humanity was scrupulously ob- 
served in all its dealings with the Indians. The his- 
torian, Bancroft, in speaking of the settlement of 
Maryland, says : — " Its history is the history of be- 
nevolence, gratitude, and toleration. The Roman 
Catholics, who were oppressed by the laws of Eng- 
land, were sure to find a peaceful asylum in the quiet 
harbours of the Chesapeake ; and there, too, Protest- 
ants were sheltered from Protestant intolerance." 



Questions.— What happened in 1651 and 1664 ? 19. What 
led to that of Maryland ? What is said of the history of the 
Maryland colony ? What is the remark quoted from Bancroft ? 



260 HISTORY MODERN. 

20. In 1664, Charles II. granted to tlie Duke of 
York the country now known as New Jersey, some 
parts of which had been previously settled by the 
Dutch. 

21. In 1669, a colony, at the head of which was 
Governour Sales, was established at the spot where 
Charleston, South Carolina, now stands, under a 
grant from Charles II., comprising a wide extent of 
territor}'-. In 1729, this extensive grant was divided 
into two distinct territories, called North and South 
Carolina; and subsequently, in 1732, another province 
was carved out of the same gi-ant, which, in honom' 
of the king, George II., was styled Georgia. A set- 
tlement was immediately afterwards commenced on 
the Savannah River, in Georgia, under the direction 
of General Oglethorpe. 

22. In 1681, the royal charter for Pennsylvania 
was granted to the celebrated William Penn. The 
next year, he, with about 2000 associates, most of 
them, like himself, attached to the sect of Quakers, 
arrived in the country, and soon after commenced 
their operations on the spot where Philadelphia now 
stands. 

23. Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Delaware, 
Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hamp- 

QuESTioNS. — 20. What is said of New Jersey ? 21. What 
was the first settlement in South Carolina ? WJiat took place 
in 1729, and subsequently iu 1732 ? Under whom was the first 
settlement in Georgia commenced ? 22. To whom was Penn- 
sylvania granted, and what is said of the first settlement ? 



HISTORY MODEEN. 261 

shire, New Jersey, Korth Carolina, South Carolina, 
Pennsylvania, and Georgia, were the thirteen original 
States which revolted against the government of 
Great Britain in 111 5. 



CHAPTER II. 

The North American Colonies— from their settlement, to the 
Revolutio7i in 1'775. 

1. The Anglo-American colonies struggled against 
many difficulties, and the events of their early politi- 
cal history wore a strong resemblance. In most in- 
stances, the treatment which the Indians, the rightful ' 
owners of the soil, received from the European ad- 
venturers, roused a vindictive spirit of hostility in 
the breasts of the former, and became the occasion 
of much bloodshed and cruelty. This was particu- 
larly the case in the New England colonies, where, 
in many instances, the treatment of the Indians was 
unjust and rapacious. Another fruitful source of 
disquiet was the vicinity of the French settlements 
in Canada, which, as we have seen, was acquired by 
the French crown, in virtue of the discovery made 
by C artier, in 1534. During the wars which were, 

Questions. — 23. What were tlie thirteen original States 
which revolted in 1775 ? 1. What is said of the Anglo- Ameri- 
can colonies ? W^hat is said of their treatment of the Indians ? 
What was another fruitful source of disquiet ? 



262 HISTOKY MODERN. 

with but little intermission, carried on by England 
and France in the Old World, the colonies of those 
kingdoms in the New World wasted their vigour in 
support of European objects of ambition, by being 
compelled to take active parts in the hostilities. 

2. The French governours of Canada always pos- 
sessed such influence over the Northwestern Indians, 
that they were enabled to employ them in their op- 
erations against the English colonists ; and, in conse- 
quence, the frontiers often presented scenes of havock 
and desolation. To put an end to this savage war- 
fare, the Enghsh colonists, feebly aided by the govern- 
ment, made several attempts to subvert the French 
authority in Canada, and take possession of the coun- 
try — all of which, however, failed. 

3. After the peace of Utrecht, in 1*713, the colo- 
nies enjoyed, for several years, a state of comparative 
tranquilhty. But upon the renewal of war between 
France and England, in 1744, the colonists were 
again ravaged by the French and Indians. New 
York and New England had previously suffered most ; 
but at this time the extension of the French settle- 
ments to the Ohio opened the frontiers of Virginia 
and Pennsylvania to their attacks. In 1*745, Louis- 
burg, on the island of Cape Breton, was taken from 
the French by a resolute band of New Englanders, 

Questions.— 2. What is said of the French governours of 
Canada ? What efforts were made by the English colonists ? 
8. What is said of the colonies after the peace of Utrecht? 
What occurred in 1744, in 1745, and 1748 ? 



HISTORY MODEKN. 263 

under William Pepperell, a Boston mercliant. This 
place was, by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1Y48, 
given up to the French, to the great mortification of 
the colonies. 

4. After this, a short period of repose succeeded, 
which was interrupted by the conflicting pretensions 
of England and France to the country watered by 
the river Ohio. The French, havmg been the first 
discoverers of the Mississippi, claimed all the coun- 
try which bordered it and its tributaries, and during 
the peace which followed the treaty of Aix-la-Cha- 
pelle, made great exertions to protect their colonies 
of Canada and Louisiana by a fine of military posts, 
extending from Lake Ontario to the Ohio, and down 
that river and the Mississippi to New Orleans. 

5. In the mean time, however, the King of Eng- 
land gave a grant of land, lying on the Ohio River, 
to a company of traders, styled the Ohio Company, 
who established some trading-houses on the river. 
The French, claiming an exclusive right to the land, 
violently opposed these measures, and took some of 
the traders, whom they retained as prisoners. 

6. The result was, that the Colonial Government 
of Virginia, which claimed the disputed land as a 
portion of its territory, protested against the conduct 

Questions. — 4. "What occurred after this ? What was the 
claim of the French to the lands on the Ohio ? What exer- 
tions were made by them during the peace ? 5. What hap- 
pened in the mean time, and what course was taken by the 
French ? 6. What was the result ? 



264: HISTORY MODEEN. 

of the French, and deputed George Washington, 
afterwards the ilhistrious dehverer of his country, 
then a youth twenty-one years of age, to bear the 
protest to the French commandant, at Fort Du- 
quesne — the site of the present city of Pittsburgh — 
and to insist that the French should evacuate that 
fort. The French commandant of course disresrarded 

o 

the mission, merely stating that he had acted accord- 
ing to his orders. This event occurred in 1*753, and 
was shortly after followed by open hostilities between 
Great Britain and France. 

7. This was the commencement of the " French 
and Indian War," so styled from the fact that the 
French, adopting their former policy, made the In- 
dians their allies in the conflict. At the opening of 
the war, Washington was made colonel of a regiment 
of Virginians. Troops were soon raised throughout 
the colonies ; naval and land forces arrived from 
England, and expeditions were sent against Nova 
Scotia, Crown Point, and Niagara, in 1755. 

8. The same year was rendered memorable by the 
unfortunate expedition against Fort Duquesne. It 
was commanded by the English general, Braddock, 
who, in addition to two British regular regiments, 
had also the regiment of colonial troops, under Wash- 

Qtjestions. — What was the action of the French command- 
ant at Fort Duquesne ? When did this event occur, and what 
followed it? 7. Of what war was this the commencement? 
What marked its opening ? 8. What rendered the year 1755 
memorable ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 265 

ington. Through the imprudence or recklessness of 
Braddock, the expedition failed, the army being de- 
feated by the French and Indians. Braddock him- 
self was slain, and nothing but the distinguished 
courage and coolness of Washington saved the army 
from utter ruin. The other expeditions resulted in 
nothing of much importance. 

9. The campaigns of 1756 and 1*757 were con- 
ducted with great inefficiency on the part of the Brit- 
ish generals ; but afterwards, when the celebrated 
William Pitt (Lord Chatham) became prime minis- 
ter of England, the war took a more decided aspect. 
In 1758, Louisburg and Fort Duquesne fell before 
the British and Colonial forces ; and the tide «f suc- 
cess set in so strongly in their favour, that, in the 
succeeding year, Quebec and the whole of Canada 
were conquered. Ticonderoga and Crown Point 
were also taken. The war closed by the treaty of 
Paris, in 1763 ; by which Canada, Nova Scotia, and 
the island of Cape Breton, became British provinces. 
The British generals who became most distinguished 
in this war were the celebrated Wolfe, who fell in 
the moment of victory, before Quebec, and Amherst. 
The French general, Montcalm, the great rival of 
Wolfe, also fell mortally wounded in defence of Quebec. 

Questions. — 9. What is said of the campaigns of 1756 and 
1757, and what produced a change ? What occurred in 1758, and 
the year following ? What closed the war ? Who were the 
most distinguished English generals ? Who the leading French 
general ? 

23 



266 HISTOEY MODEEN. 

10. The colonies being relieved from this har- 
assing warfare, now commenced to rise rapidly in 
wealth and power. Their prosperous condition speed- 
ily attracted the attention and interest of the British 
government, which, in order to assert and render 
more secm^e its sovereignty over them, formed the 
design of subjecting them to a system of taxation. 

1 1 . The first step taken for this purpose was met 
by fierce indignation from the colonists, who denied 
the constitutional right of Great Britain to tax them. 
The famous Stamp Act, passed by Parliament in 
1765, laying a tax on all written instruments, as 
deeds, notes, &c., and declaring all writings on un- 
stamped materials as void, roused such a state of 
feeling in the colonies that it was never enforced, and 
was repealed in 1766. 

12. The British Parliament, in repealing it, how- 
ever, insisted upon the right which they claimed, of 
binding the colonies in all cases whatsoever, and the 
next year passed an act imposing duties upon glass, 
painters' colours, and tea. Again the indignant voice 
of the colonists was heard protesting against this ar- 
bitrary measure. To enforce the obnoxious act, how- 
ever, the Government estabfished a custom-house at 



QtTESTioNs. — 10. What is said of the colonies after the war, 
and the designs of the British government? 11. How was 
the first step taken for this purpose met ? What was the 
effect of the Stamp Act ? 12. What was insisted npon by 
Parliament in repealing the Act, and what was done the next 
year? 



HISTORY MODERN. 267 

Boston, and stationed two British regiments at the 
same point. 

13. These, together with other arbitrary and ty- 
rannical measures, roused the high-toned spirit of the 
American people, and soon most serious and open 
collisions occurred between the people and the inso- 
lent soldiery. Such was the stern and fixed opposi- 
tion to the designs of the Goverament, that at length, 
in 1*770, Parliament repealed all the duties, except 
the one of three pence per pound on tea, thereby 
merely intending to show that they did not relin- 
quish the right which they claimed. But the Ameri- 
cans were not to be deceived, and determined to re- 
sist taxation in every shape. The years 17 Yl and 
1772 passed without any thing important. In 1773, 
the people of New York and Philadelphia sent back 
to England the tea-ships which had arrived at those 
cities ; but at Boston, a number of persons, disguised 
as Indians, boarded the tea-ships there, and threw 
the cargoes of tea into the harbour. 

14. In consequence of these acts, Parliament, in 
1774, passed other severe acts, one of which was di- 
rected in particular against Boston. It was called 
the " Boston Port Bill," by which all intercourse with 

Questions. — What was the effect of this measure ? What 
was clone to enforce it ? 13. What was the effect of these ar- 
bitrary proceedings ? What was done by Parliament in con- 
sequence of the opposition ? What is said of the years 1771 
and 1772 ? What happened in 1773 at New York, Philadel- 
phia, and Boston ? 14. What course did Parliament pursue 
in consequence, in 1774 ? * 



268 HISTORY MODERN. 

that town by water was prohibited. The same year, 
General Gage, commander of the British forces in 
America, arrived at Boston with a commission as 
Governour of Massachusetts ; and he was followed by 
two more British regiments, with artillery and large 
quantities of military stores. 

15. Events were now drawing to a crisis. The 
Americans saw and felt the menacing attitude of the 
government ; they saw and felt the weighty respon- 
sibility imposed upon them. But they also saw and 
felt the justice of their cause, and, determined to 
maintain it before the world, prepared with bold and 
resolute hearts to meet the great emergency which 
was rapidly approaching. 



CHAPTER III. 

The American Revolution. Froin the commencement of 
Hostilities in 1775, to the recognition of the Independence 
of the United States, in 1783. 

1. It having become apparent, from the attitude 
assumed by the government, that coercive measures 
had been resolved upon, the Americans determined 
to call a Congress of the different colonies to devise 

Questions. — Wliat happened the same year at Boston ? 15. 
What is said of the aspect of affairs at this juncture, and the 
sentiments and determination of the Americans? 1. What 
resohxtion was formed by the Americans at this time ? 



HISTOEY MODERN. 269 

means of asserting and defending their rights, against 
the encroachments of Great Britain. This plan, orig- 
inating in Massachusetts, was speedily adopted by all 
the colonies, except Georgia ; and the delegates met 
at Philadelphia, on the 5th of September, 1774. 
The assembly, consisting of fifty-five members, was 
styled the Continental Congress ; and after its or- 
ganization, published, in the name of the colonies, a 
declaration of rights, resolved to suspend all com- 
mercial intercourse with Great Britain, and drew up 
spirited addresses to the king, the people of Great 
Britain, and the colonies, which produced great sen- 
sation in both countries. 

2. These proceedings being laid before Parliament, 
the bold attitude of the Americans was treated with 
contempt. Massachusetts was declared in a state of 
rebellion, and the army in Boston early in the year 
1775 was increased to 10,000 men, a force which 
Great Britain, confident of her own immense strength, 
and the weakness of the colonies, deemed sufficient 
to crush every effort in America. But the patriots, 
undismayed, continued with energy to prepare them- 
selves by enrolling men and collecting military stores. 

3. In April, 1775, General Gage sent a body of 
troops, under Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn, to 

Questions. — How was this plan adopted and carried into ef- 
fect? What was the action of the Continental Congress ? 2. 
How were these proceedings received by Parliament, and 
•what followed ? What is said of the patriots ? 3. What hap- 
pened in April, 1775 ? 

23^ 



270 HISTORY ^rODEEN. 

seize some military stores which had been collected 
at Concord, in Massachusetts. On the morning of 
the 19th of April, the troops, being on their march 
to execute this order, arrived at the town of Lexing- 
ton, where they found about seventy men collected 
together under arms. Major Pitcairn insultingly 
ordered them to disperse ; and, upon their refusing 
to do so, discharged his pistol, and ordered his men 
to fire. A brief but fierce conflict ensued, in which 
eight Americans were killed and several wounded. 
This was the first blood which was shed in the revo- 
lutionary contest. The troops proceeded to Concord, 
and destroyed some military stores ; but upon their 
return, found the whole country in arms, and, with 
immense loss, Avere obliged to fight their way back 
to Boston. 

4. The blood spilled at Lexington roused every 
patriot of America into activity. The forts, maga- 
zines, and arsenals, throughout the colonies, were 
seized for the use of the Americans, Regular forces 
were immediately organized ; a considerable army 
was collected in the vicinity of Boston, and expe- 
ditions were sent to Ticonderoga and Crown Point, 
which resulted in the securing of these important 
posts. 

5. Li May, IV'ZS, the second Continental Congress 
met at Philadelphia, and adopted the name of the 

Questions. — What occurred at Lexington, and Avhat fol- 
lowed ? 4. What was the effect of the battle of Lexington 
upon the Colonies ? 5. What occurred in May, 1775 ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 271 

United Colonies. The same month, Generals Howe, 
Burgoj^ne, and Clinton, with large reinforcements of 
British troops, arrived at Boston. The Americans 
determined, if possible, to dislodge the British forces 
in Boston, and for this purpose, took possession of 
an eminence, called Bunker's Hill, on which, in one 
night, the 16th of June, they erected breastworks. 
Daylight revealed them to the British, still at their 
labour ; and they still continued their work, notwith- 
standing the fierce cannonading directed against them 
from the British ships and batteries. General Howe, 
determined upon driving the Americans, who were 
about 1500 strong, from the position, advanced 
against them with 3000 regular troops. The British 
were received with a most deadly fire from the 
Americans, who twice drove back their enemies, with 
terrible loss. Owing, however, to the failure of am- 
munition, the patriots, after a desperate struggle, 
were at last obliged to retreat. The British loss in 
this celebrated battle was 1054 ; that of the Ameri- 
cans 453. Among those who fell on the side of the 
latter was the lamented General Warren. During 
the battle, the British barbarously fired and burned 
to the ground the neighbouring village of Charles- 
town, consisting of about 400 houses. 

6. Congress, in the mean time, acted with vigour ; 

Questions. — What determination was formed by the Ameri- 
cans, and how did they proceed ? Mention tlie particulars of 
the battle of Bunker Hill. What was done by the British dur- 
ing the battle ? 6. What is said of Congress in the mean time ? 



272 HISTORY MODERN. 

and tlie whole of the thirteen colonies united in the 
Articles of Confederation, With happy foresight, 
they selected George Washington as the commander- 
in-chief of the American forces. This truly great and 
good man, whose lofty character, sound judgment, 
and pure principles, combined with a mind of rare 
capacity, inspired the patriots with the highest con- 
fidence, accepted the responsible station to which he 
was called, and immediately entered upon the duties 
of the office. He anived at Cambridge on the 
2d of July, 1775, and there established his head- 
quarters. 

7. Towards the close of the year 1775, a gallant 
attempt was made by the Americans to take posses- 
sion of Canada. The chief command of the army, 
sent for this purpose, devolved upon General Richard 
Montgomery, one of the many noble spirits whose 
actions illustrate the history of the Revolution. Hav- 
ing taken Fort Chamble and St. John's, Montgomery 
advanced upon Montreal, which city surrendered 
without resistance ; thence he moved rapidly towards 
Quebec. Before the latter city, Montgomery was 
reinforced, in November, by about 1000 men, under 
Colonel Benedict Arnold — a brave, but unprincipled 
officer. A well-concerted plan, for the purpose of 

Questions. — Who was appointed commander-in-chief? 
"What is said of Wasliington ? 7. What attempt was made 
towards tlie close of 1775 ? Who commanded the expedition, 
and liow was it conducted ? By whom was Montgomery rein- 
forced, at Quebec ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 273 

carrying the strongly fortified city of Quebec by 
assault, was resolved on ; and before daylight on the 
31st of December, amidst a heavy snow-storm, the 
attack was made. The resistance was fierce and 
blood}^ ; but every thing promised victory to the 
Americans, until the gallant Montgomery fell. After 
that lamentable event, they were defeated at all 
points. The Americans shortly after evacuated 
Canada. 

8. Whilst the ill-fated expedition to Canada was 
in progress, Washington had invested Boston. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1776, he determined to expel the 
British from that city ; and for this purpose, on the 
4th of March, erected a battery on Dorchester 
Heights, which commanded the city. The British 
general, Howe, having failed to dislodge the Ameri- 
cans from the position, was at length compelled to 
abandon Boston, which Washington entered trium- 
phantly on the l7th of March. 

9. About this time the Americans began to be in- 
fluenced by new views. Hitherto they had contended 
merely for constitutional liberty, under the British 
crown ; but now their unexpected union, their en- 
thusiasm, and the hostile measures of the British 



Questions. — What were the circumstances of the attack on 
Quebec, and the result ? 8. What had been done by Wash- 
ington in the mean time ? What determination was formed 
during the winter of 1776, and how was it carried out? 9. 
What is said of the Americans at this time, and the change in 
their views ? 



274 HISTORY MODERN. 

government, expanded the minds of their leaders, 
and stimulated the spirit of the great body of the 
people, and independence at last became the great 
and absorbing object of the struggle. On the 6th 
of June, 17V(5, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, 
made a motion in Congress, which brought the ques- 
tion before that body ; and Thomas Jefferson, John 
Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and R. 
R. Livingston, were appointed to draw up a Decla- 
ration of Independence. The result was the mem- 
orable document, which being submitted by the 
committee to Congress, on the 4th of July, 1*7 7 6, 
was adopted by an almost unanimous vote. 

10. Havinof thus thrown off all alleo-iance, and with 
it all hope of a reconciliation, the Americans needed 
all their strength and resources to maintain their bold 
and sublime position ; and the events of the remain- 
der of the year 1776 show that they felt the heavy 
responsibility resting upon them. 

11. On the 28th of July, Fort Moultrie, erected 
for the defence of Charleston, South Carolina, was 
attacked by a British naval force, under Sir Peter 
Parker ; but the fire from the fort, under the com- 
mand of the gallant Colonel Moultrie, was so destruc- 
tive, that Parker was obliged to retreat. 



Questions. — "What brought the subject of Independence 
before Congress, and what was the result ? 10. What is said 
of the Americans after this step? 11. What occurred on the 
28th of July ? 



HISTOKY MODEKN. 275 

12. AVashington, after compelling General Howe 
to leave Boston, removed, with a large portion of his 
army, to New York. Howe, having been reinforced, 
by a large naval armament, under command of his 
brother. Lord Admiral Howe, after an ineffectual at- 
tempt to settle the differences of the belligerents by 
negotiation, prepared to overwhelm the American 
general. On the 27 th of August, a battle was fought 
on Long Island, between a place called Flatbush and 
Brooklyn, in which a portion of the American army, 
under Generals Putnam and Sulhvan, were defeated. 
Washington, perceiving the imminent danger in which 
he was placed by the unfortunate issue of this en- 
gagement, determined to abandon Long Island ; and, 
accordingl}^, on the night of the 29th of August, 
effected, under cover of a thick fog, an admirable 
retreat in the face of the British army, which lay 
only a quarter of a mile distant. 

13. The British, flushed with success, followed up 
their \'ictory. New York was evacuated by the Amer- 
icans — an indecisive but bloody engagement took 
place at White Plains, on the 28th of October. Fort 
Washington, on the Hudson, was reduced by the 
British ; and Washington, having crossed the Hudson, 
retreated through New Jersey, by Newark, New 

Questions. — 12. Wliat course was pursued by Washington 
after the taking of Boston ? What followed ? What hap- 
pened on the 27th of August ? What was done by Washing- 
ton after this ? 13. What is said of the British, after the 
battle on Long Island ? 



276 HISTOET ^MODERN. 

Brunswick, Princeton, and Trenton : thence lie crossed 
the Delaware into Pennsylvania, being all the time 
closely pursued by the British, under Lord Com- 
waUis ; who, on reaching the Delaware, stayed his 
course, and the British army went into winter-quartei-s. 

14. The prospects of the Americans were now 
most gloomy. The late disastrous events had dis- 
heartened the friends of liberty ; the army, destitute 
of every comfort, had become greatly reduced, and 
ruin to the cause and all engaged in it appeared in- 
evitable. But Washington's high soul remained firm 
and unquailing amidst this terrible state of affairs, 
and he determined to arouse the drooping hopes of 
his country by striking a bold and effectual blow. 
He determined to surprise the British forces in their 
winter-quarters. For this purpose, on Christmas 
night (25th December, 1'776), with a portion of his 
army, he crossed the Delaware, though obstructed 
by floating masses of ice, and fell upon the enemy 
at Trenton, defeated them, and took 1000 prisoners. 
He then advanced to Princeton, where, on the 3d of 
January, he defeated another body of British troops. 

15. These brilliant successes revived the spirits of 
the Americans, and renewed their confidence in their 



Questions. — What engagements followed, and what course 
was taken by Washington? 14. What is said of the prospects of 
the Americans at this time, and their condition ? What is 
said of Washington at this crisis ? What determination did 
he form, and how did he accomplish it ? 15. What was the 
effect of these successes ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 2TT 

general, whilst the hopes of the British were pro- 
portionably abated. Reinforcements came into Wash- 
ington's army from all quarters, and he was therefore 
better prepared for vigorous operations in the spring 
of 1111. 

16. (1777.) During the spring of this year, Wash- 
ington, by his masterly manoeuvres, prevented the 
enemy, though vastly superiour in force, from advan- 
cing to Philadelphia by land ; and Howe was com- 
pelled to change his plans. He sailed for the Chesa- 
peake — landed at the head of Elk, and thence marched 
upon Philadelphia. Washington, in order to defeat the 
movement, interposed his forces. The two armies met 
on the 11th of September, on the banks of the Bran- 
dy wine, where a bravely contested battle was fought, 
which ended in the retreat of the Americans ; and 
Philadelphia, being open to the approach of the British, 
was immediately afterwards taken by Howe. Among 
the wounded on the American side, at the battle of 
the Brandywine, was the gallant young Marquis de 
Lafayette, who had a short time before left France, 
and entered the American army as a volunteer. He 
was appointed a major-general, and was eminently 
distinguished throughout the war. 

17. Upon the taking of Philadelphia, by Howe, 
the greater portion of his army was quartered at Ger- 



QuESTioNS. — 16. What events preceded the taking of Phila- 
delphia in 17771 17. What happened after the taking of 
PhUadelphia ? 

24 



2T8 HISTOEY MODERN. 

mantown. On the 4th of October, an attack was 
made by Washington on the British troops at that 
point ; but, from accidental causes, his well-planned 
attempt failed, and he was repulsed with consider- 
able loss. After tliis the British army went into 
winter-quarters. 

18. During the progress of these events, in the Mid- 
dle States, the operations in the North were most im- 
portant. In the month of June, a British army of 7000 
men, besides Canadians and Indians, invaded the States 
from Canada. This army was commanded by Gen- 
eral Burgoyne, who advanced by way of Lake Cham- 
plain, towards Albany. His advance, notwithstand- 
ing the obstacles thrown in his way by the Ameri- 
cans, was successful until he reached the Hudson, 
within thirty-six miles of Albany. There, however, 
his successes were stayed. On the 16th of August 
a detachment of the British army was defeated at 
Bennington, by a body of Americans under General 
Stark. Burgoyne, having crossed the Hudson, en- 
camped at Saratoga, towards which point the Ameri- 
can general, Gates, who had been recently appointed 
to the command of the army in the North, imme- 
diately advanced. On the 19th of September, an 
indecisive but obstinate engagement took place at 
Stillwater, Burgoyne having made an attack upon 
the American lines at that place. Soon after this, 

Questions. — 18. What events occurred in the North during 
the progress of these movements? Eelate the circumstances 
attending the invasion of Burgoyne. 



HISTORY MODEKN. 279 

the British army became confined to a narrow pass ; 
cut off from provisions, and having the American 
army in front, a body of Americans in the rear, the 
Hudson on one side, and impassable woods on the 
other. In this distressing situation, Burgoyne, after 
having made one more unsuccessful attempt to ex- 
tricate himself, was compelled to capitulate ; and on 
the I'Zth of October his whole army surrendered, at 
Saratoga, as prisoners of war, to General Gates. 

19. This event proved of signal importance to the 
cause of the Americans. Besides giving confidence 
to the people, and affording a large supply of the 
munitions of war, it tended powerfully to decide the 
negotiation for an alliance with France, which the 
Americans, through their commissioners, had been 
for some time soliciting at the court of France. The 
negotiation was concluded in February, 1778, and 
treaties of alliance, and of amity and commerce, were 
signed at Paris. 

20. (1778.) Dunng the winter of this year, Wash- 
ington had been encamped at Valley Forge ; and his 
army being poorly clad, and destitute of almost every 
comfort, had suffered severely ; but their patriotism 
bore up against every privation, and they re-entered 
the field with unabated courage. It having been re- 
solved by the British general. Sir Henry Clinton, 

Questions. — 19. What was the effect of Bnrgoyne's surren- 
der ? When was the treaty between America and France con- 
cluded? 20. What is said of Washington's army during th« 
winter of 1778? 



280 HISTORY MODERN. 

who had succeeded General Howe, to concentrate 
Ms forces at New York, the army at Philadelphia 
left that city in June, and crossed the Delaware. 
Washington attempted to interrupt the movement, 
and on the 28th of June enffaored the British forces 
at Monmouth. The engagement was obstinate, but 
indecisive. After the battle the British retreated 
towards New York, which they reached in safety. 
In the mean time, in pursuance with the treaty with 
France, a French fleet, under the command of Count 
D'Estaing, with 6000 marines and soldiers, was 
despatched to the assistance of the Americans, and 
aiTived at the entrance of Delaware Bay in the month 
of July. Nothing further of great importance oc- 
curred during this year, with the exception of an 
expedition sent by Clinton to Georgia ; in which the 
British, after defeating the American forces, took 
possession of Savannah on the 31st of December. 

21. (1779.) This year was chiefly passed by the 
British in marauding excursions, particularly in the 
South. Pillage and destruction appeared to be their 
only objects, and their excesses roused a fierce spirit 
of rcBentment in the Americans. The only event of 
importance in the North was the capture, by the 
Americans, under General Wayne, of the strong fort 
at Stony Point, from the British. In the South, an 
attempt was made by a combined force of Americans 

Questions. — What events occurred during the year 1778 ? 
21. What marked the year 1779 ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 281 

and French to retake the city of Savannah, but it 
was defeated with great loss. Among the slain was 
the gallant Count Pulaski, a Polish officer in the 
American service. 

22. (1780.) During this year the war was prose- 
cuted with great vigour in the South. On the iVth 
of May, Charleston was reduced by Sir Henry Clin- 
ton, and South Carolina was overnm by the British 
forces. General Gates, having been placed in com- 
mand of the Southern division of the army, reached 
the American camp in South Carolina in July, and 
unfortunately resolved to fight a general action. On 
the 16th of August, a battle was fought near Cam- 
den, in which the Americans, under General Gates, 
were completely defeated by the British, under Lord 
Cornwallis. The American loss was severe. Among 
the slain was the noble Baron De Kalb, a Prussian, 
in the American service. In July, a second French 
fleet, with 6000 land troops, commanded by Count 
de Rochambeau, reached America. The troops dis- 
embarked, and the fleet returned to France. This 
year was signalized, also, by the infamous treachery 
of General Benedict Arnold, who having been, on 
account of his former gallant conduct at Quebec and 
at Saratoga, entrusted with the important command 
at West Point, formed the villainous design of sur- 
rendering that post to the British. His purpose was 

Questions.— 22. What is said of tlie war in 1780, and what 
military operations transpired? What also signalized this 
year ? Eelate the circumstances. 
24* 



282 HISTOEY — MODERN. 

to revenge himself on account of a reprimand from a 
court-martial, in consequefice of certain disgraceful 
conduct as an officer. His design, which was on the 
eve of being accomplished, was providentially dis- 
covered and thwarted. The traitor, however, es- 
caped, and received, as the reward of his villainy, a 
commission in the British army, as brigadier-general. 
The unfortunate and amiable Major Andre, the Brit- 
ish officer who acted as the medium of communica- 
tion between Arnold and Clinton, having been ar- 
rested by the Americans, was convicted as a spy, and 
condemned and executed. 

23. (1781.) The operations during this year were 
chiefly in the South. In January a brilliant victoiy 
was obtained by General Morgan, over the British 
colonel, Tarlton, at the Cowpens. On the 15th of 
March, a battle was fought near Guildford Court- 
house, in which the British, though with severe loss, 
were victorious. The Americans were commanded 
by General Greene, who had succeeded Gates, and 
the British by CornAvallis. In September, Greene 
obtained an important victory over the British, under 
Colonel Stuart, at the Eutaw Springs. Lord Corn- 
wallis, in the mean time, having moved into Virginia, 
and received reinforcements, concentrated his forces 
at Yorktown, on York River, where he fortified him- 
self. Washington, who had for some time deceived 
Clinton, by threatening an attack upon New York, 

Question. — 23. What were the operations of 1781 ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 283 

now suddenly quitted his camp at White Plains, 
marched to the South, and sat down before York- 
town with 16,000 men, French and Americans. The 
Chesapeake Bay was blockaded by a French fleet ; 
and Cornwallis, galled in his position by the Ameri- 
can batteries, hemmed in on all sides, without hope 
of escape, or of aid from Clinton, at length, on the 
iVth of October, proposed to Washington a cessa- 
tion of hostilities ; and on the 19th, articles of capit- 
ulation were signed, by which the British army, miU- 
tary stores, and shipping, were suiTendered to Wash- 
ington. 

24. This glorious triumph was decisive of the con- 
test, and the news was received throughout the coun- 
try with emotions of inexpressible joy. Nothing of 
importance occurred during the remainder of the war. 
The British government finding a further prosecution 
of the contest hopeless, was reluctantly compelled to 
acknowledge the independence of the United States 
of America, by a treaty concluded at Versailles on 
the 3d of September, 1783, by Adams, Franklin, 
Jay, and Laurens, on the part of the Americans, and 
Oswald, on the part of the British. 

Questions. — 24. What was the effect of the surrender of 
Cornwallis ? How was the war ended ? 



284 HISTORY MODEEN. 



CHAPTER IV. 

From the recognition of Ainericaoi Independence, in 1^83, to 
1851. 

1. The triumphant issue of the Revolutionary war, 
carried on against so powerful an adversary as Great 
Britain, exalted the character of the American peo- 
ple in the estimation of the world. They had, how- 
ever, assumed a great responsibility, and soon found 
that much more than the mere establishment of their 
independence was needed to ensure their prosperity. 
The expenses of the war remained to be paid ; an 
excessive issue of paper currency had taken place, 
and had greatly depreciated, and the system of con- 
federation, which, even when supported by the en- 
thusiasm attending the war, was found inefficient, now, 
when that impulse was removed, became a very 
weak bond of union. So violent were the con- 
tentions and jealousies among the States, and so 
slightly were the recommendations of Congress re- 
garded, that every thing indicated a dissolution of 
the confederacy. This alarming state of affairs de- 
monstrated the necessity of such a change in the 
Constitution " as would draw closer the bond of union 
among the States — render the Republic more formi- 
dable — and give to the General Government a power 

Question. — 1. What was the state of affairs in America, 
after the close of the Eevokitionary war ? 



HISTORY MODERN. 285 

of internal efficacy without impairing the hberty of 
the citizens." 

2. To effect this great object, a convention of dele- 
gates from the different States was called, and ac- 
cordingly assembled at Philadelphia, in May, 17 8 7. 
Washington, who, on the disbanding of the army in 
1783, had retired from public life, to the quiet of his 
farm, at Mount Vernon, appeared at this conven- 
tion, as a delegate from Virginia, and was appointed 
by that body its presiding officer. After a delibera- 
tion of four months, the Federal Constitution was 
agreed to by the convention ; and, being accepted 
and ratified, in 1788, by eleven out of thirteen States, 
it became the Constitution of the United States. 
North Carolina and Rhode Island, the two dissenting 
States, afterwards yielded their assent — the first in 
1789, and the latter in 1790. 

3. The new government went into operation in 
1789, and George Washington was elected the first 
President of the United States, and John Adams, 
Vice-President. The workings of the new system of 
government soon became apparent, in the revival of 
trade and industry, and the general improvement of 
the country. In 1790, an Indian war desolated the 
western settlements north of the Ohio. After much 
fighting and bloodshed, the war was brought to a 

Questions. — 2. What was done to remedy these evils, and 
with what result? 3. When did the new government com- 
mence, and who was the first President ? What was the effect 
of the new Constitution ? 



286 HISTORY MODERN. 

close by General Wayne, who, ha\ing completely 
routed the Indians, concluded a treaty of peace with 
them in 1795, at Greenville. Before the conclusion 
of the Indian war, the French revolutionists, who 
were in the midst of the violent convulsions they had 
occasioned in Europe, sought assistance from the 
United States. But the wise pohcy of Washington 
discouraged all proceedings tending to involve the 
Union in hostilities with any of the European powers. 
The strict neutrality which he observed was opposed 
by a considerable portion of the community, and 
hence, in a great measure, arose the two great parties, 
Federalists and Repubhcans. In 1*793, Washington 
was unanimously re-elected to the Presidency, for a 
second term of four years ; at the expiration of which 
he declined a third term, and retired once more to 
his quiet farm. There, this illustrious man, two years 
afterwards, on the 14th of December, 1799, departed 
this life, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, leaving 
behind him the character of the most perfect and 
faultless of patriots. 

4. John Adams succeeded Washington in the 
Presidency, in 1797. During his term of office, 
serious difficulties and actual hostilities arose between 
the United States and France, growing out of the 
refusal of the former to take part in the revolutionary 

Questions.— What events occurred during the administra- 
tion of Washington ? What is said of Washington after the 
end of his second term of ofl^ce ? 4. Who succeeded Wash- 
ington in the Presidency ? 



HISTORY ^JklODERN. 287 

struggles of the latter. These difficulties, however, 
were amicably adjusted in a few months. Many of 
the measures of Mr. Adams' administration met 
with much opposition. Some of these were the 
establishment of a standing army, the imposing of 
a direct tax, and the enacting of the " Ahen and Se- 
dition Laws." 

5. Thomas Jefferson succeeded Mr. Adams in 
1801, having been elected by the Republican party. 
During the first term of this administration, the United 
States increased rapidly in prosperity and wealth. 
Mr. Jefferson was re-elected for a second term, in 
1805. In 1807, the war then raging in Europe, be- 
tween Great Britain and France, assumed an aspect 
that threatened to draw the United States into the 
vortex. The Berlin Decree — directed against Eng- 
hsh commerce, by Napoleon — having called forth 
the British orders in council — which in turn provoked 
the Milan Decree from Napoleon — excessively an- 
noyed and interfered with the commerce of the 
United States, which claimed all the rights of a strict 
neutrahty. In 1808 the American Congress laid a 
general embargo on foreign commerce, which being 
removed in 1809, was followed by an act forbidding 
intercourse with France and Great Britain. Besides 
this, there was another cause of provocation, on the 

Questions. — What occurred in this administration ? 5. Who 
succeeded Adams ? What is said of the United States during 
Jefferson's administration ? What events transpired ? 



288 HISTORY MODERN. 

part of Great Britain, which was keenly felt. This 
was the unjustifiable impressment of American sea- 
men by British men-of-war, and the assumption by 
Great Britain of the right to search American ves- 
sels. In the midst of this irritating state of affairs, 
Mr. Jefferson's second term expired. 

6. James Madison succeeded Mr. Jefferson, in 1 809, 
and pursued the same line of policy which marked 
the administration of his predecessor. The restric- 
tions upon commerce continued until 1812 ; up to 
which period, every attempt towards an amicable ad- 
justment had proved abortive, and the causes of com- 
plaint against Great Britain continued to increase. 
At length, on the first of June, 1812, the President 
recommended to Congress a declaration of war 
against Great Britain. The bill for this purpose 
passed both houses of Congress, with a considerable 
majority, and hostilities immediately after commenced. 
The operations of the American land forces, during 
the first year of the war, Avere unsuccessful. An 
army under General Hull, after vainly attempting to 
penetrate into Canada, was disgracefully surrendered 
by that officer to the British, on the 12th of August. 
Gen. Van Rensselaer made a second attempt, but 
was defeated at Queenstown in November, and com- 
pelled to surrender. But whilst the operations on 

Questions. — 6. Who succeeded Mr. Jefferson? What is 
said of affairs up to 1812 ? What occurred on the first of 
June, 1812, and what followed ? What were the land and 
naval operations with which the war opened ? 



HISTOEY MODERN. 289 

land were thus unfortunate, tlie most brilliant suc- 
cess attended the American flag on the ocean. In 
August, the frigate Constitution, under Captain Hull, 
captured the British frigate Guerriere. In October, 
the frigate United States, under Decatur, took the 
British frigate Macedonian. In November, the British 
sloop Frolic was taken by the American sloop Wasp, 
under Capt. Jones ; and in December, the Constitu- 
tion, under Bainbridge, captured the British frigate 
Java. In all these engagements, the British sailors 
acted with thek accustomed bravery. 

Y. (1813.) Alternate victory and defeat attended 
the American arms during this year. In January, a 
detachment of Americans, under General Winchester, 
was defeated by the British and Indians, under Gen- 
eral Proctor, at Frenchtown, on the river Raisin. In 
April, the American general, Pike, took York, in 
Upper Canada, but was killed by the explosion of a 
mine. In May, an attack was made upon Sacketts 
Harbour, by the British, under Su' George Prevost, 
who was repulsed with great loss, by the Americans 
under General Brown. In the same month. Fort 
George* in Canada, was taken by the Americans, 
under General Boyd. On the 10th of September, 
the American commodore, Perry, obtained a com- 
plete and brilliant victory over the British squadron, 
on Lake Erie, and captured all their vessels ; and in 

Questions. — 7. What is said of the American arms in 1813 ? 
Eelate the events which took place during that year. 
25 



290 HISTOKY MODERN. 

October, the American general, Harrison, having 
crossed over to Canada, defeated and dispersed the» 
British army, under Proctor, at the battle of the 
Thames. In this battle, the celebrated Indian chief, 
Tecumseh, was slain. On the ocean, the British met 
with greater success than during the preceding year. 
In February, the Hornet, under Lawrence, captiured 
the British sloop Peacock. In June, the Chesa- 
peake, under Lawrence, was taken by the British 
frigate Shannon. In August, the sloop Argus was 
captured by the British sloop Pehcan ; and, in 
September, the British brig Boxer was taken by the 
Enterprise. 

8. (1814.) The operations of this year were marked 
by several brilliant victories, on the side of the Amer- 
icans. On the 5th of July, the Americans, under 
General Brown, defeated the British, under General 
Drummond, at Chippewa. On the 25th of the same 
month, the American generals, Brown and Scott, 
overthrew the British forces, under Drummond and 
Kiall, at Bridgewater. Shortly after, the British 
were severely repulsed in an attack upon Fort Erie. 
On the 24th of August, a British army, under Gen- 
eral Ross, having landed about forty miles from Wash- 
ington City, defeated the Americans under Genera] 
Winder, at Bladensburgh ; entered Washington 
burnt the Capitol and other public buildings, and re- 

QuESTioNs. — 8. What is said of the operations of 1814? 
Eelate the events which occurred. 



HISTOKY MODERN. 291 

tired. Early in Septeifiber, General Ross made a 
similar attempt on Baltimore, but his army was re- 
pulsed, and lie himself slain. On the 11th of Sep- 
tember, the British naval force on Lake Champlain 
was completely defeated by the American squadron, 
of inferiour force, under Commodore Macdonough ; 
and, on the same day, the British land forces, under 
Sir George Prevost, were repulsed at Plattsburgh, 
by the Americans, under General Macomb. On the 
ocean, the American flag sustained its briUiant rep- 
utation. The frigate Essex was taken by two British 
vessels, and the President, by a squadron ; but the 
capture, by the Americans, of the British vessels the 
Epervier, the Avon, the Reindeer, the Cayane, the 
Levant, and the Penguin, added new lustre to the 
glory of the American navy. 

9. (1815.) Negotiations for peace between Great 
Britain and the United States had now been in prog- 
ress for some time ; and, in fact, before the close of 
the year 1814, December 24th, a treaty was signed 
at Ghent. But during the progress of these nego- 
tiations, a large army, under the British general, Sir 
Edward Packenham, penetrated Louisiana, and ad- 
vanced against New Orleans. The Americans, under 
General Andrew Jackson, threw up strong works in 
the neighbourhood of the city, for its defence, and 

Questions.— 9. What had been in progress for some time, 
and what took place on the 24th December, 1814? What 
occurred during the progress of the negotiation? What 
followed ? 



292 HISTORY ^JklODEKN. 

there awaited the British arlny ; which, on the 8th 
of January, made a furious assault. The Americans 
were completely victorious ; the British army being 
cut to pieces, and their commander slain. This was 
the last important event of the war, the joyful news 
of peace having put an end to further hostilities. 

10. Mr. Madison having filled the office of Presi- 
dent during two terms, was succeeded, in 181Y, by 
James Monroe, whose administration, during two 
terms, was quiet and prosperous. 

11. John Quincy Adams succeeded Mr. Monroe, 
in 1825. His administration of four years presents 
nothing of general importance, 

12. He was succeeded, in 1829, by General An- 
drew Jackson, whose administration was signalized 
by his hostility to the United States Bank, an insti- 
tution which — its charter having expired — he suc- 
ceeded in putting down. He held the Presidency 
for two terms. 

13. He was succeeded by Martin Van Buren, in 
1837. This administration continued the policy of 
General Jackson, and was signalized by the com- 
mencement of a protracted and expensive war with 
the Indians in Florida, and treaties with the Sioux 
Indians, and with the Winnebagoes, by which the 

Questions. — 10. Who succeeded Mr. Madison in the Presi- 
dency ? 11. Who succeeded Mr. Monroe ? 12. Who suc- 
ceeded Mr. Adams ? What signalized General Jackson's ad- 
ministration ? 13. Who succeeded Jackson ? What is said 
of this administration ? 



HISTORY ^MODERN. 293 

United States acquired the Indian titles to large por- 
tions of land east of the Mississippi. 

14. General William Henry Hamson succeeded 
Mr. Van Buren, in March, 1844 ; but had held the 
office only one month, when he died, on the 4th of 
April, and was succeeded, in virtue of his office, by 
John Tyler, who had been elected Vice-President. 
The administration of Mr. Tyler greatly disappointed 
the party which had elected him, as he vetoed almost 
all the measures which they advocated, and for which 
they had stniggled. 

15. James K. Polk succeeded Mr. Tyler, in 1845. 
This administration has been signalized by the dis- 
putes between Great Britain and the United States, 
tending the boundaries of Oregon Territory ; by the 
annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United 
States, and by a war with the Republic of Mexico. 
The Oregon question was settled by negotiation and 
compromise, early in 1846, estabhshing the northern 
boundary of the American claim on the 49th parallel 
of north latitude. Texas was annexed to the United 
States in 1845, and the Mexican war commenced in 
the month of May, 1846. 

16. The Mexican war was a consequence of the 
annexation of Texas. Texas, which had been a prov- 

QuESTioNS. — 14, Who succeeded Mr, Van Buren ? What 
occurred a mouth afterwards, and what is said of Mr. Tyler's 
administration ? 15. Who succeeded Mr. Tyler ? What sig'- 
nalized Mr. Polk's administration? 16, What caused the 
Mexican war ? 

25* 



294 HISTOEY MODERN. 

ince of Mexico, having thrown off allegiance to that 
nation, and declared herself independent on the 2d 
of March, 1836, had struggled successfully through 
a revolutionary war, and established a republic. Sub- 
sequently, finding it w^ould be to their interest, the 
people of Texas sought to enter the American Union, 
and in 1845 obtained their wish. Against this meas- 
ure Mexico, which had never acknowledged the in- 
dependence of Texas, loudly protested, and declared, 
as the Republic was annexed to the United States, 
with boundaries which did not originally belong to 
that province, and included considerable territory 
which in no event could be justly claimed, that any 
attempt on the part of the United States to take 
possession of the same, would be considered a just 
cause of war. The annexation of Texas proper, 
without the disputed territory, might have been 
effected without any serious consequences, but the 
occupation of that territory Mexico had determined 
to resist. The disputed territory lay between the 
Nueces and the Rio Grande. In September, 1845, 
General Zachary Taylor, under orders from President 
Polk, crossed the Nueces with an " army of occupa- 
tion," planted the American flag ^vithin the disputed 
boundary, and subsequently, in pursuance of further 
orders, moved across the disputed territory, to the 
extreme Hmit of the boundary on the north bank of 



Question. — Eelate the circumstances which led to hostilities 
with Mexico. 



HISTOKY MODERN. 295 

the Rio Grande, opposite the Mexican city of Mata- 
moras, Avhich point he reached on the 28th of March, 
1846. The consequence was, a Mexican army- 
crossed the Rio Grande for the purpose of dislodg- 
ing the Americans from then- position, and hostilities 
commenced. 

17. The stirring events which followed shed the 
most brilliant lustre upon the American arms. No 
war of modern times presents such a rapid and daz- 
zling series of victories — uninteiTupted by a single 
defeat. The battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la 
Palma, Montere}^, and Buena Vista, were fought by 
the Americans, under General Taylor, with fearful 
odds against them ; but in all they were victorious. 
In the battle of Buena Vista, fought on the 2 2d of 
February, 1847, General Taylor, with a force mostly 
of volunteers, consisting of about 4000 men, defeated 
a picked army of 20,000 Mexicans, commanded by 
their celebrated general, Santa Anna. A short time 
previous to this, Colonel Doniphan, commanding the 
Missouri volunteers in New Mexico, defeated the 
Mexicans in the battle of Sacramento, and took the 
city of Chihuahua. The same brilliant results at- 
tended the standard of the southern branch of the 
American army in Mexico, imder the command of 

Questions. — 17. What is said of the events which followed ? 
What battles were fought under General Tajlor, and with 
what result ? What is said of the battle of Buena Vista ? 
What occurred a short time previous to this ? What is said 
of the army under General Scott ? 



296 HISTOEY MODERN. 

General Winfield Scott. The campaign, under that 
veteran commander, commenced with the taking of 
Vera Cruz, and the famous castle San Juan d'Ulloa, 
which was followed by a march towards the city of 
Mexico. During that march the battles of Cerro 
Gordo, the occupation of Puebla, and the battles of 
Molino del Rey, Contreras, Chapultepec, and Chuiii- 
busco, took place. In all of these, the Americans 
were completely victorious. The last-mentioned 
battles were fought during the month of September, 
1847, in the immediate vicinity of the city of Mexico, 
where the Mexicans, under Santa Anna, made a 
desperate struggle. General Scott entered the city 
in triumph, on the 15th of September, 1847. This 
was the last important event of the war. Imme- 
diately afterwards, the American commissioner and 
the Mexican government entered into negotiations for 
peace ; and the war was at length closed by a treaty, 
which, under the circumstances, is advantageous in 
its terms to Mexico. That country, however, by the 
treaty, ceded a considerable portion of her territory 
to the United States, which thence became possessed 
of California, that, from the discovery of its appar- 
ently inexhaustible gold mines, has since risen to 
be a place of vast importance, the principal city of 
which, San Francisco, bids fair, at no distant day, 

Questions. — What marked the campaign under that officer ? 
"What battles were fought, and with what result ? What at 
length closed the war ? Of what did the United States be- 
come possessed ? What is said of California ? 



HISTOKY MODERN. 297 

to rival the most prosperous of the Atlantic cities of 
America. 

18. Mr. Polk was succeeded in the Presidency by- 
General Taylor, in 1849, who, having held the office 
little more than one year, died in the summer of 1850, 
and was succeeded by the Vice-President, Millard 
Fillmore, in virtue of his office. 



CHAPTER V. 

Mexico and the South American States. 

1. After the conquest of Mexico by Cortez, in 
1521, already noticed, that country became a prov- 
ince of Spain, under the government of a Viceroy. 
Nothing of general interest occurred in its histoiy 
until the year 1808, when, upon the abdication of 
Charles VI. of Spain, the mass of the inhabitants as- 
serted their right to freedom, and being opposed by 
the Spanish authorities, openly rebelled in the year 
1810, under the guidance of Hidalgo and Morelos, 
two Mexican priests. In 1813, a Congress declared 
Mexico independent, and a bloody guerrilla warfare 
ensued. In 1821, Iturbide, a powerful adherent of 

Questions. — 18. When did General Taylor become Presi- 
dent? When did he die? Who succeeded him? 1. What 
is said of Mexico after the conquest ? What happened in 
1808, 1810, 1813, and 1821 ? 



298 HISTORY — MODERN. 

the Spanish cause, suddenly declared in favour of the 
insurgents, and ably advocated an independent con- 
stitutional monarchy. This was the death-blow to 
the power of Spain in Mexico. A national Congress 
was formed, which elected I turbideEmperour of Mex- 
ico, with the title of Augustin. He had not long ex- 
ercised the power thus conferred, before his arbitrary 
measures created a stern opposition among the peo- 
ple, who compelled him to abdicate ; and upon the 
ruins of his throne established a constitution, in most 
respects similar to that of the United States. Itur- 
bide having been arrested in an attempt to regain his 
position, was afterwards put to death. Since that 
time, Mexico has been the prey of civil dissension, 
owing to the struggles between the rival parties, 
styled the Centralists and Federalists ; the former 
advocating a single supreme government, and the 
latter a confederation similar to that of our own 
Union. This struggle was continued for twenty years, 
and through the insurrections, discords, and civil wars 
which it has occasioned, Mexico, though possessing 
the natural resources calculated to build up a great 
nation, has been reduced to a most melancholy and 
abject condition. We have seen that the province of 
Texas threw off the Mexican government in 1836, 
and established an independent republic, and the war 



Questions. — What occurred after the elevation of Iturbide, 
and what became of him ? What is said of Mexico since that 
time? 



HISTORY MODERN. 299 

which grew out of the annexation of that State to 
the United States has been also noticed. 

2. The general features of the history of the Span- 
ish provinces of South America are similar to those 
of Mexico. The celebrated Simon Bolivar was the 
chief agent in establishing the independence of the 
Spanish provinces of South America. In 1810, Chili 
and Peru revolted against the Spanish crown, and 
their independence was finally established in 1826. 
Upper Peru, in honour of Bolivar, was erected into 
a distinct Republic, called Bolivia. In Lower Peru, 
the Bolivian constitution was unpopular, and Peru 
and Columbia were soon separated from Bolivia. The 
States of the Rio de la Plata, long dependant on 
Peru, separated themselves from that State after the 
revolution, and formed themselves into a distinct gov- 
ernment, styled the Argentine Republic. In 1827, 
a war broke out between this republic and Brazil, in 
regard to the possession of Uruguay, which became 
an independent State in 1828. 

3. Brazil, which, as we have seen, was discovered 
by the Portuguese navigator, Cabras, was held subject 
to the crown of Portugal until 1822, when the con- 
nexion was dissolved. Brazil was erected into an in- 
dependent empire, and Don Pedro, the crown prince 

Questions. — 2. What is said of the history of the Spanish 
provinces of South America? Who was the leader of inde- 
pendence in South Akierica ? What is said of Chili and Peru ? 
Bolivia ? Lower Peru ? The States of the Kio de la Plata ? 
What happened in 1827 ? 3. What is said of Brazil ? 



300 HISTORY MODERN. 

of Portugal, was declared Emperour. Don Pedro ab- 
dicated in 1831, in favour of his son. 

4. Paraguay was first brought into prominence by 
the devoted zeal of the Jesuit missionaries. A num- 
ber of those pious men having penetrated that bar- 
barous region, converted immense numbers of the 
natives to Christianity ; and by their wise and Chris- 
tian policy established a government there, so simple, 
mild, and pure in its form, and so happy in its influ- 
ence upon the character and condition of the people, 
that Paraguay, under their sway, has been compared 
to a paradise. Unjust prejudices, and Spanish ava- 
rice, however, compelled the missionaries to abandon 
this scene of their pious labours in 1768, and the 
noble fabrick they had erected fell to pieces. Para- 
guay, unnoticed, after this, until the period of the 
revolutions which convulsed all the States of South 
America, was declared a republic in 1813, under two 
consuls. Subsequently, the chief power was entrusted 
to one dictator, elected for life. 

Questions. — 4. Wliat first brought Paraguay into notice? 
What is said of the government estabhshed there by the Jes- 
uits ? What happened in 1768 ? What is said of Paraguay ? 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

PfiEFACE TO THE FlEST EDITION, 3 

Publishers' Preface, 5 

Introduction, • 

PART FIRST.— ANCIENT HISTORY. 

Chapter I. The Creation, Ac, 11 

II. The Israelites, or Jews, 15 

III. Egypt, 20 

IV. The PhcBnicians, 23 

V. Assyria and Babylon, 25 

VI. Persia, 28 

VII. Greece, 31 

VIII. Rome, 51 

IX. Illustrious Men of Ancient History, 91 

PART SECOND.— MIDDLE AGES. 

Chapter 1 95 

" II. The Saracen Empire, 99 

III. The Feudal System, 104 

« IV. The Crusades, 108 

« V. Chivalry 115 

« VI. Rise of the Ottoman Empire, <fec...... 120 

« VII. Illustrious Men of the Middle Ages, 123 



302 



CONTENTS. 



PART THIRD.— MODERN HISTORY. 

Page 

Chajpter 1 128 

11. France, 130 

III. England, 164 

IV. Scotland, 208 

V. Ireland, 211 

" VI. Germany, .- 218 

VII. Spain, 223 

VIII. Portugal, 227 

IX. The Italian States, 230 

" X. Poland, 235 

« XI. The Netherlands, 23*7 

" XII. Denmark, 238 

" XIII. Sweden and Norway, 240 

" XIV. Prussia, 242 

" XV. Russia, 244 

" XVI. Turkey, 246 

PART FOURTH.— AMERICA. 

Chapter I. Discoveries and Settlements, 249 

" II. The North American Colonies, &c...... 261 

" III. The American Revolution, 268 

" IV. Recognition of American Independ- 
ence, (fee, 284 

" V. Mexico and the South American 

States, 289 



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No similar discourse has in our time produced so marked 

an impression on the public mind as this of the Most Rev. 

Bishop. 

KIRWAN UNMASKED. A Review of Kirwan, 
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A LECTURE on the Antecedent Causes of the 
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1847, by the Most Rev. John Hughes, D.D., . . . 6i 



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TEARS ON THE DIADEM. By Mrs. A. H. Dorsey. 
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JULIA ORMOND, or the New Settlement. By the Authoress 
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THE ELDER'S HOUSE, or the Three Converts. 

JESSIE LINDEN. 

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(extracts from notices.) 
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SHANDY M'GUIRE, 

OR, 

TRICKS UPON TRAVELLERS; 

A Story of tlie Norti. of Ireland, 



ET PAUL PEPPEEGRASS, ESQ. 



In 1 volume 16mo. in half cloth binding, 60 cents; 
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" Shandy M'Giiire" is emphatically a " Story of the North of 
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The London Tablet says : — " The story is amusing and contains 
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and evil." 






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